Preamble
- An estimated 424 mi11on tonnes (MT) Port capacity is required by the end of 9th Five’ Year Plan period (2002). Against this, the capacity of the existing ports is 215 MT. Some capacity yielding schemes carried over from the 8th Plan are under implementation, raising the capacity to 252 MT. This leaves a gap of 172 HT. It is now proposed to implement new Schemes in Major Ports for addition of l22 MT capacity requiring an estimated investment of Rs. 16,000 crores. Capacity addition of about 50’ MT is proposed through development of minor ports and building captive port facilities by the user industries.
- Out of Rs.l6,000 crores required for expansion of major ports, a sum of Rs.8000 crore is likely to become available from Public Funds such as Government Budgetary Support (Rs.2000 crores), Internal Resources of Ports (about Rs.5000 crores) and borrowings by the Port Trusts to the extent of about Rs.1000 crores. To cover the shortfall, Ports have been thrown open for Private Sector Participation, with the Guidelines issued on 26.10.1998.
- t is now proposed to expand/modify the guidelines to permit formation of Joint Ventures between Major Port and Minor Port(s), between Major Port and Minor Port(s) and between Major Port and Company (ies). The measures are aimed at facilitating the Major Port Trusts to:
-
Attract new technology;
-
Introduce better managerial practices;
-
Expedite implementation of Schemes;
-
Foster strategic alliance with minor ports for creation of optimal port infrastructure; and
-
Enhance confidence of private sector in funding ports.
-