Question : MARITIME DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

(a) the details about the National Maritime Development Programme (NMDP) being implemented by the Government for the expansion/development/modernisation of major ports in the country;

(b) the details of such projects that have been awarded or proposed to be awarded under Public-Private Partnership mode, port-wise;

(c) the funds allocated and released for the purpose during each of the last three years and the current year alongwith the quantum of funds required for implementation of the said project, port-wise;

(d) the works undertaken at various major ports under NMDP, major port-wise so far;

(e) whether the progress of such projects is moving at a slow pace; and

(f) if so, the reasons therefor alongwith the steps taken by the Government for the speedy completion of such awarded projects and the execution of the remaining projects, port-wise?

MINISTER OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)

(a): Under National Maritime Development Programme(NMDP), 276 projects have been taken up for implementation over the period from 01.04.2005 to 31.03.2012 and the total investment involved under the programme is Rs.55,804 crores for the Port Sector.

(b): The details of the projects awarded or proposed to be awarded is at Annexure-I.

(c): No funds are allocated for Projects of National Maritime Development Programme by the Government.

(d): The details of work undertaken at various Major Ports under NMDP is at Annexure-II.

(e): Yes, Madam.

(f): The delay in award of port projects is generally due to various reasons namely delay in completion of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), Discharge of Tenders, delay in grant of Security Clearance in respect of short listed bidders by the security agencies, delay in fixation of upfront tariff, litigation, environment clearance etc. However, several measures have been taken to speed up the implementation of projects which include formulation of standard bidding documents like RFQ, RFP and MCA which have ushered in uniformity and transparency in the bidding process. Further, an Empowered Committee has been set up to clear the projects from Security angle.