Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated the newly constructed Belapur Jetty at the event which was also attended by several ministers from the state. Post flagging off the event, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways & AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal, lauded the Mumbai Maritime Board and Central & State agencies for completion of the projects.
He said that such projects bring huge benefits to the citizens, boosts tourism and opens avenues for employment generation. Adding more about the Sagarmala programme, he said, “Sagarmala Programme has undertaken a range of projects across an array of categories such as port modernization, rail, road, cruise tourism, RORO & passenger jetties, fisheries, coastal infrastructure, skill development. 131 projects worth Rs. 1.05 lakh crore has been identified for implementation in Maharashtra."
“Out of 131, 46 projects worth Rs. 2078 crore being financially supported under Sagarmala scheme of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Maharashtra coast has huge potential for urban water transportation which can become an alternate mode of transportation. ROPAX movement between Mumbai Ferry Wharf and Mandwa has resulted in a positive impact with a reduction in travel time for passengers, quick and agile loading and unloading process of vehicles. More than 32 projects were undertaken in four clusters - Palghar, Mumbai & Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg," he added.
Also Read: Mumbai-Navi Mumbai Water Taxi Inaugurated, View Images Here
Officials from the ministry believe that the Water Taxi services will give huge impetus to the tourism sector, especially travel to the historic Elephanta caves from Navi Mumbai. Visitors will be able to travel easily from Navi Mumbai to Gateway. The service will connect the twin cities of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai for the first time. Besides this, the services will commence from the Domestic Cruise Terminal (DCT) and will also connect nearby locations at Nerul, Belapur, Elephanta island and JNPT. The service promises a comfortable, stress-free journey, is time-saving and promotes eco-friendly transport.
Adding further, the minister said, "For the upliftment of the fishing community, four fishing harbour projects have been sanctioned for funding under Sagarmala. Stage II expansion of Mirkawada Fishing Harbour in Ratnagiri District have been completed, modernization of Sassoon Dock and development of Karanja in Raigad and Anandwadi in Sindhudurg district are under implementation. Further, proposal for modernization of Mallet Bunder in Mumbai is under active consideration.”
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