(a) whether cargo handled at major ports during the last six months has recorded slow growth;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the action taken to improve the existing ports to build cargo volumes in order to attract main line container vessels for fast and direct service to global destinations?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI DILIPKUMAR MANSUKHLAL GANDHI)
(a) : No, Sir.
(b) : Does not arise.
(c) : The focus in the major ports during the Tenth Five Year Plan period will, inter-alia, be on improving productivity through technological upgradation, provision of cost effective services and enhancement of service quality. This is planned to be achieved through upgradation/conversion of existing conventional berths to suit emerging requirements; construction of new berths; upgradation of cargo handling equipment and maintenance procedures; redesigning and upgradation of internal road network and circulation systems where required; upgradation of storage facilities and other port infrastructure, improved equipment and labour productivity, optimization of work force, training, optimal use of information technology, etc.
It has also been decided to develop a hub port each on the East and West coasts of the country, at Chennai and Jawaharlal Nehru Ports respectively and to develop an international container transshipment terminal at Vallarpadam, Cochin so as to tap the increasing potential for container traffic and to attract mainline vessels for fast and direct service to global destinations.