Question : CAPACITY OF PORTS

(a) the details of the increase in the number and capacity of ports in the country, during each of the last three years, State-wise

(b) whether there has been a change in the nature of cargo handled by the various ports in the recent years and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the quantum of cargo handled in the Indian ports was lower than the set target during the last year;

(d) if so, the reasons for this shortfall; and

(e) the corrective measures taken in this regard?

MINISTER OF SHIPPING(SHRI G.K. VASAN)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 259 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14TH MARCH, 2011 RAISED BY SHRI ANANTH KUMAR REGARDING “CAPACITY OF PORTS”.

(a): Details of Capacity at Major Ports for last three years and Capacity of Ports in Maritime State for the year 2009-10 is given under Annexure I-A.

(b): There is no major change in the nature of cargo handled by the Major Ports in the recent years except reduction in POL traffic by 1% and fertilizer and raw material traffic by 2% and increase in other miscellaneous traffic by 1%. However, there have been major changes in the pattern of traffic handled at Non-major ports as increase in Coal traffic by 4%, POL Traffic by 14% and reduction in other miscellaneous cargo by 11%. The pattern of the cargo handled by broad commodity group and their respective share in the total cargo handled at major and non-major ports during 2007-08 and 2009-10 may be seen at Annexure I-B.

(c): Yes, Madam. The cargo handled was around 3.5% less than the target fixed for Major Ports for 2009-10.

(d): Broadly the shortfall against the target was largely due to global recession.

(e): Government has already initiated various measures in this regard which include increase in draughts, mechanization, construction of new berths, hinterland connectivity etc. Government has also formulated a perspective policy documents viz Maritime Agenda 2010-2020 for forthcoming decade for Indian Ports sector to cope-up the future requirements through various policy initiatives for the future.