“With the new Cruise Terminal at Mormugao Port, we are setting a benchmark for excellence, aiming to provide the kind of facilities that will help us meet our target of 1.5 million cruise tourists by 2030”, Sonowal the Minister added.
It is to be noted Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, will preside over the 20th meeting of the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC), set to takeplace on 12th and 13th September 2024 in Goa. This crucial event will bring together Chief Ministers, Senior Ministers from Coastal States,and Administrators of Union Territories (UTs). Senior officials from all nine Coastal States, four UTs, and representatives from various Union Government Ministries and Departments will also be in attendance.
The 20th MSDC meeting will address several key maritime initiatives critical to India’s maritime future. A primary focus will be the review of the Sagarmala Programme, assessing its progress and outlining future plans to drive port-led development. Strategic discussions will also be held on the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat, highlighting efforts to preserve and showcase India’s rich maritime history. The development of the country’s inland waterway network will be another major topic, withproposals aimed at enhancing cargo and passenger transport being evaluated.
Additionally, the meeting will deliberate on improving road and rail connectivity to ports, facilitating smoother movement of goods and passengers. Innovative state-led initiatives will also be showcased, including Kerala Maritime Board’s strategies to monetize dredging
activities, Gujarat Maritime Board’s urban development projects linked to port activity, and Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board’s comprehensive master plan for maritime growth. Environmental sustainability will be a key theme, with a special focus on reducing pollution at Goa Port by curbing the handling of dirty cargo, aligning with broader efforts to promote cleaner, more sustainable port operations and enhance Goa’s appeal as a destination for both tourists and residents.
