Mumbai: The government`s plan of
constructing new ports and expanding existing ones to support
an expected increase in traffic is likely to create a huge
demand for capital and maintenance dredging in India, a top
government official said.
"The use of larger vessels, construction of new ports, an
increased focus on coastal shipping, inland transportation
and government support are likely to drive the demand for both
capital and maintenance dredging," Shipping Ministry`s
Secretary K Mohandas said on the sidelines of the SMP
World Expo 2010 here today.
Citing a report from the National Maritime Development
Programme, he said that out of the total port development
expenditure of Rs 55,800 crore, the amount earmarked for the
dredging of all major Indian ports by FY`12 is estimated at Rs
6,300 crore.
As the country is expected to become a trade hub, an
effective port infrastructure is vital to scale-up the
country`s trade development, Mohandas added.
The government`s Sethusamudram Ship Channel project and
its plan to develop coastal shipping and Inland Water
Transport are expected to open avenues for dredging in the
country, he further said.
PTI
