Gadkari underscores need of developing ports sector, highlights initiatives

The Government is placing special emphasis on developing the ports sector that was "neglected" in the country, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said Friday. The Shipping Minister highlighted several initiatives taken for the revival of ports and development of water transport and said maximum ports in the country were making profits.

Speaking at the fourth convocation of the Indian Maritime University near here, Gadkari said the shipping sector was a very important one. "Anywhere in the world, the progress of the country is depending upon the development of ports. As far as India is concerned, it is very neglected. But now we are giving special emphasis on this," he said.

"We are transparent, corruption-free and time-bound," he added. Gadkari said India had the highest logistics cost, pegged at 16-18 per cent, compared to Europe and China. "Logistics cost in Europe is around 12 to 13 per cent, China 8 to 10 per cent."

He attributed the lesser costs in China to highly developed waterways. According to him, logistics transported over water in China is 47 to 49 per cent, while in Europe it is 40 per cent.

"But in India, it is just 2 to 3 per cent," he said, adding that there was huge potential in developing waterways. The minister listed various initiatives for development of ports such as exporting sugar to Bangladesh through waterways, setting up of desalination plants in three ports- Tuticorin, Kandla and Paradip, among others.

Gadkari urged young graduates of the central university, under the Ministry of Shipping, to become entrepreneurs rather than seeking employment. "The way in which the sector is changing, I am fully confident..I have the statistics of how the employment potential is increasing. But my suggestion is don't ask for employment. With your new innovation, research, experience and technology, you start a new business and create employment," he said. Over 2,000 degrees were awarded to students of various courses in the university. Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan was also present.