Question : AUGMENTATION OF PORTS

(a) whether the Government has conceptualized capacity augmentation of major and non-major ports in the country in order to meet the traffic of more than 1700 million tonnes during 12th Five year Plan;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the details of the new ports to be set up during the said period;

(c) whether the Government has formulated any land policy for major ports as well as their captive land in order to ensure level playing field for all stake- holders; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the details of consultation made with the stakeholders in this regard and their expectations in the matter?

MINISTER OF SHIPPING (SHRI G.K. VASAN)

(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) Cargo handling Capacity of both major and non-major ports is envisaged to reach 2686.66 million tonnes by the end of 12th Plan. Out of this, 1229.24 million tonnes is projected for Major Ports and 1457.42 million tonnes for the non-major ports. The Government has decided to set up two new Major Ports, one each in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.

(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. There is an existing Land Policy Guidelines, 2010. Before its finalisation, the same was posted on the website of Ministry of Shipping seeking feedback from all stakeholders and public at large. Comments were received from all the Major Ports, Chambers of Commerce & Industry and other port users, etc, which were taken into consideration.