New Delhi, July 29 (IANS) Maharashtra Minister for Fisheries and Ports, Nitesh Rane on Wednesday met Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in New Delhi and urged the Central Government to accord priority approval to Maharashtra’s proposals under the Sagarmala 2.0 programme.

During the meeting, Minister Rane submitted a representation seeking expeditious clearance of the projects proposed by the Maharashtra Government under the flagship programme, emphasising that their timely implementation would significantly accelerate port-led development and strengthen the State’s maritime ecosystem.

The proposed projects envisage the modernisation of fishing harbours, development of coastal infrastructure, enhancement of multimodal logistics connectivity, promotion of coastal shipping and inland waterways, and expansion of maritime tourism.

Minister Rane highlighted that these initiatives would generate substantial employment opportunities, attract private investment and provide a strong impetus to Maharashtra’s coastal economy, said the government release.

The Maharashtra Maritime Board has already submitted comprehensive project proposals in accordance with the framework prescribed under Sagarmala 2.0. Noting that the proposals are aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Minister Rane requested the Union Government to consider them on priority.

The proposals submitted by the state cover five major development verticals. Port modernisation and expansion; fisheries infrastructure; coastal connectivity and logistics; inland waterways & water transport and marine tourism.

The state government proposes to upgrade minor and intermediate ports along Maharashtra’s ~720 km coastline to enhance overall cargo handling capacities, modernise fishing harbours, jetties, and fish landing centres to strengthen coastal livelihoods and rural economies, enhance last-mile road/rail links to ports and integrating coastal shipping into industrial supply chains, accelerate coastal water transport networks, including eco-friendly/electric water mobility and feeder routes and develop infrastructure for coastal cruises, passenger terminals, and waterfront tourism hubs, said the release.

Expressing confidence in the Centre’s continued support, Minister Rane said that early approval of the proposals would significantly strengthen Maharashtra’s port infrastructure, fisheries sector and coastal economy while reinforcing the State’s position as a leading maritime hub.

He reiterated the Maharashtra Government’s commitment to advancing sustainable, integrated and port-led economic development through strategic investments in maritime infrastructure.

–IANS

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