The Vadhavan Port will be a game changer as it will connect 24 districts through Samruddhi Mahamarg, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday.
The CM made these observations after inaugurating the Maharashtra Maritime Summit held in Mumbai to discuss and debate ideas to further strengthen the state’s maritime sector.
The summit began with Nitesh Rane, Minister for Ports and Fisheries, outlining his vision and roadmap for developing the state’s ports, equipping the youth with necessary skills to qualify for jobs that will be created with this development.
“The formation of the Maritime Acceleration Task Force will help take forward the various initiatives, ” Rane said.
Earlier, Fadnavis explained the benefits that infrastructure developed, and the upcoming Vadhavan Port will bring to Maharashtra.
“The Vadhavan Port, when ready, will be connected to 24 districts of the state via the Samruddhi highway and various access roads. The port will also have an offshore airport to accelerate the movement of cargo,” he said.
The various panels, with experts from the maritime business, debated the benefits of bringing ship building and ship breaking industries to Maharashtra, the state’s maritime policy and the future of water transport using the waterways.
The panelists discussed the potential that Maharashtra holds with Indian shipbuilders looking outside the country for collaboration in technology and foreign companies looking for opportunities in India.
Panelists included representatives from leading players in the business–Adani Ports, Damen Shipyards, Haskoning, Thyssenkrup Marines Systems, JSW Infra, DP World, Rural Enhancers Group, Indigo Seaways and Candela.
Diplomats of various countries attended the summit, showcasing the international interest in forging business ties with Maharashtra.
The political leaders reiterated Maharashtra ‘s commitment to developing the maritime sector. While Minister Rane urged various stakeholders to collaborate, Chief Minister Fadnavis assured the speakers that their deliberations would be seriously considered in the state’s maritime policies.