India will soon emerge as the world leader in the maritime sector as it multiplies its cargo handling capacity in ports and builds a robust shipping building and repairs ecosystem, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said on Saturday.
Speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of the Kamarajar Port trust here, the minister said that by 2047, India will be among the top 10 maritime nations in the world.
The minister also laid the foundation stone for establishing capital dredging, Integrated Command and Control centre at the Kamarajar port at a cost of Rs 545 crore.
He said the port marked a significant step in decongesting Chennai Port by fostering efficient coal handling with possibilities of future expansion.
The minister said that construction of IOCL Jetty of 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) will further enhance its capacity.
“The setting up of 1 MLD Seawater desalination plant at the port at a coast of Rs 32 crore would serve to meet not only the Port’s need but also the need of the coastal community for drinking and other domestic purposes,” Sonowal added.
Highlighting that the timely implementation of infrastructural projects taken up by the Shipping Ministry has led to faster completion of flagship programmes, he said quality has also been a focus area when development projects are rolled out.
Meanwhile, Sonowal also attended the 83rd convocation of Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, Madras.
“Hindi lives in the hearts of all Indians, and through this language, we can truly unite the entire country in the Gandhian spirit,” the minister emphasised.
“Hindi has accepted every other regional language, making it its biggest point of relevance. We must ensure that Hindi becomes a global language, a power that it is already blessed with,” Sonowal added.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.