INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi said yesterday that the government aimed to operationalize 23 waterways in the country by 2030. “Ours is a government that is investing in waterways in a way that was never seen before. Domestic waterways are found to be cost-effective and environment-friendly ways of transporting freight. We aim to operationalize 23 waterways by 2030,” Modi said while virtually inaugurating the three-day Maritime India Summit 2021. “Capacity of major ports has increased from 870 million tons in 2014 to 1,550 million tons now,” Modi said. “Indian ports now have measures such as direct port delivery, direct port entry and an upgraded port community system for easy data flow. Our ports have reduced waiting time for inbound and outbound cargo.” Modi also informed that mega ports with world-class infrastructure are being developed in Vadhavan, Paradip (Odisha state) and Deendayal Port in Kandla (Gujarat state). (Xinhua) |