NEW DELHI (INDIA): India’s Shipping and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadari laid the foundation stone for eight connectivity projects worth Rs. 1117.03 crore at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) today. These projects include:
| S.No | Project | Cost |
| 1 | Integrated Common Rail Yard Facility at JNPT | Rs. 250 crore |
| 2 | Connecting 4th Terminal of JNPT with Rail | Rs. 100 crore |
| 3 | Jasai-JNPT 3rd Railway Line | Rs. 150 crore |
| 4 | Flyover at North Gate | Rs. 127.45 crore |
| 5 | Integrated Centralised Parking for Tractor-Trailers | Rs. 149.31 crore |
| 6 | Construction of Coastal Berth | Rs. 142.32 crore |
| 7 | Flyover at Y Junction | Rs. 82.95 crore |
| 8 | Restructuring of Yard behind shallow water berth | Rs. 115 crore |
All these projects will enhance connectivity of the hinterland to JNPT. Port Connectivity is among the four pillars of Ministry of Shipping’s flagship Sagarmala programme.
Speaking on the occasion Gadkari said that huge investments are expected under the Sagarmala programme, which will lead to better infrastructure and creation of new jobs besides giving a big push to Indian exports.
He said a lot of companies have shown interest in acquiring land for setting up factories in the JNPT SEZ zone, and this in turn will create a demand for skilled manpower.
Gadkari informed that a coordinator will be appointed to look into the requirements of these new companies and help to train the local youth from Raigad and Konkan areas to meet their specific needs.
He said the government’s aim is to increase efficiency and improve the development in and around the port areas by continuously undertaking new initiatives.
Anil Diggikar, Chairman JNPT assured that the Port Trust is fully focused on creating world-class infrastructure to enable hassle free trade and contribute to the ease of doing business.
Efforts aimed at improving the infrastructure at JNPT have already started bearing results as congestion has come down to zero and tonnage handled has reached a record high of 4.5 million TEU for the year ended March 2017. Senior officials from various departments and representatives from the industry were also present during the foundation stone laying ceremony.