(a) whether any discussion has been held with the coastline States particularly Gujarat to devise comprehensive port policy to attract substantial investments in the port sector;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken to encourage investments in the port sector ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI PON. RADHAKRISHNAN)
(a) to(b):Discussions have been held with all Coastline States including Gujarat while formulating perspective plan for development and modernization of Ports, namely, “The Maritime Agenda 2010-2020”. Further, discussions have also been held with the coastline States while formulating the Sagarmala Project, which is aimed at comprehensive development of Ports, port led development of the hinterland and efficient connectivity.
(c) Many steps have been taken by the Government to encourage investments in the port sector including the following;
(1) 100% FDI under the automatic route is allowed for Port development projects.
(2) Port Sector has been given infrastructure status.
(3) Bidding documents like Request for Qualifications, Request for Proposal and Concession Agreement have boon standardised for Public Private Participation (PPP) projects.
(4) The Tariff Guidelines for Major Ports have been revised giving more flexibility to the PPP operators to respond to market conditions.