Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of Vadhvan Port worth around Rs 76,000 crore in Palghar, Maharashtra

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for various development projects in Palghar, Maharashtra. Today's projects include laying the foundation stone of Vadhvan Port at around Rs 76,000 crore besides inauguration and laying the foundation stone of 218 fisheries projects worth around Rs 1,560 crores. Shri Modi launched the national rollout of the Vessel Communication and Support system at a cost of around Rs 360 crores. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for important fishery infrastructure projects including the development, upgradation and modernization of fishing harbors, fish landing centers and construction of fish markets. He handed over transponder sets and Kisan Credit Cards to fishermen beneficiaries.

The Prime Minister began his address paying tribute to Sant Senaji Maharaj on his punya tithi. Shri Modi said he was talking from his heart and told people how it was the very first thing in 2013, when he was nominated for the post of Prime Minister. He was visiting the Raigarh Fort to pray before the Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj before embarking on a new journey for service to the nation. In his reference to the Sindhudurg mishap, the Prime Minister said that Shivaji Maharaj is not only a name and not a great king or personality but a god. He tendered his humble apology by bowing at the feet of Shri Shivaji Maharaj and said that his upbringing and his culture make him different from those who intend to disrespect the great son of the land, Veer Savarkar and trample the feeling of nationalism. "People of Maharashtra should remain wary of those who disrespect Veer Savarkar and feel no remorse for it", the Prime Minister said. Shri Modi further said that the very first thing he did after visiting Maharashtra was to seek pardon from his God, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He also sought pardon from all those who worship Shivaji Maharaj.

Saluting the day as historic in the development journey of the state and the nation, the Prime Minister said his government has undertaken major initiatives for the growth of Maharashtra in the last 10 years as "a Viksit Maharashtra is the most important element of the resolution of a Viksit Bharat". Alluding to the historic maritime trade of the state, Shri Modi said the state is well-equipped and has everything that it needs to grow with the advantage of coastal proximity and holds immense possibilities for the future. "The Vadhvan Port will be the largest container port in the country and be counted among the world's deep water ports. It will become an epicentre of trade and industrial development for Maharashtra and India," he said. The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Palghar, Maharashtra and the entire nation for the Vadhvan Port Project.

Referring to the recent decision taken by the government to develop the Dighi Port Industrial Area, the Prime Minister mentioned, "This is an occasion of double happiness for the people of Maharashtra". He added that the industrial area would be developed in Raigarh, which was once the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's empire. It is for this reason, the Prime Minister said Dighi Port will become an identity of Maharashtra and a symbol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's dreams. He expressed that it will encourage tourism and an eco-resort.

Hailing the entire fishermen community, Prime Minister Modi said the foundation stones of projects associated with more than 700 crores-worth work for the fisherman were laid today, while projects worth over 400 crores were inaugurated all across the country. He mentioned Vadhvan Port, the development of Dighi Port Industrial Area and multiple schemes for fisheries and said that all this development work has been made possible by the blessings of Mata Mahalakshmi Devi, Mata Jivdani and Bhagwan Tungareshwar.

Referring to India's golden age, the Prime Minister held that there was a time when Bharat used to be counted among the most strong and prosperous nations due to its maritime capabilities. People of Maharashtra are well-aware of this potential. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj brought India's maritime capabilities to new heights with his policies and strong decisions for the development of the country," Shri Modi said, adding that even the whole East India Company could not stand in front of Darya Sarang Kanhoji Yaganti. The Prime Minister said the previous governments failed to pay heed to Bharat's rich past. This is New India. It learns from history and recognizes its potential and pride, the Prime Minister said while adding that New India was developing new milestones in maritime infrastructure by leaving behind all traces of shackles of slavery.

The development on India's coast has gained unprecedented speed over the last decade, the Prime Minister said. He provided examples of modernizing ports, developing waterways, and efforts to encourage ship-building in India. "Lakhs of crore of rupees have been invested in this direction", PM Modi highlighted that the results can be witnessed through the doubled handling capacity of most ports in India, an increase in private investments and a significant reduction in the turnaround time of ships. The Prime Minister further said it has benefited the industries and businessmen by bringing down the cost, while new avenues are coming up for the youth. "Facilities for sailors have also increased", he added.

"The entire world is looking towards Vadhvan Port today", the Prime Minister said as he pointed out that very few ports in the world could match Vadhvan Port's depth of 20 meters. He added, "This port alone is going to change the economic landscape of the region completely because of connectivity through railways as well as road connectivity". "It will generate new business and warehousing opportunities as it is located on the western dedicated freight corridor and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway," he added. "Cargo will be coming in and going out of the region throughout the year, thus benefiting the people of Maharashtra", he added.

"Development of Maharashtra is a large priority for me," PM Modi stated, highlighting the gains made by Maharashtra through 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' programs. Noting that Maharashtra played a key role in India's development process, the Prime Minister went on to lament over the efforts of people trying to stall the development process.
Almost 60 years have been wasted because of the previous government due to the obstruction in the Vadhvan Port project. India needed a new and modern port for maritime trade but work in this direction did not start until 2016," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while lamenting the situation. It was only after Devendra Fadnavis came to power that this project was taken seriously, and the decision was made to build a port in Palghar by 2020. However, the project again got stalled for 2.5 years due to a change in government, he said. He said that investment of various lakh crore rupees is believed in this single project and around 12 lakh job opportunities are to be provided here. He further posed a question to the previous regimes that why they never let this project move ahead.

He further highlighted that people engaged in fishing communities in India happen to be the most important partners when it comes to ocean-related opportunities. Recalling his conversation with the beneficiaries of PM Matsya Sampada, he said that for the last 10 years, the sector has seen change only on account of government schemes and the spirit of service it embodies, "he said. Informing that India is the second-largest fish-producing country in the world, the Prime Minister pointed that out in 2014, 80 lakh tonnes of fish were produced in the country compared to 170 lakh tonnes of fish today. "Fish production has doubled in just 10 years", he exclaimed. He also spoke about the rising seafood exports from India and used the example of export value for shrimps, pegged at over Rs 40 thousand crore today as against less than Rs 20 thousand crore ten years back. "Shrimp export has also more than doubled today", he added, crediting its success to the Blue Revolution Scheme which helped in creating lakhs of new employment opportunities.

In the context of government initiatives to upscale women's participation in the fisheries sector, he said that he has been supporting thousands of women under PM Matsya Sampada Yojna. Even going into the realm of high-tech infrastructure and satellites, he said that the Vessel Communication System launches today will bring a blessing for the fisher folk community. Shri Modi announced the installation of 1 lakh transponders on fishermen's boats to enable them to stay in complete contact with their families, boat owners, fisheries department and coast guards. This, according to the Prime Minister, will have the effect of saving time when distress calls are made by fishermen due to any emergency, cyclones or other untoward incidents assisted by satellites. "This is a government that will save lives at all costs", he reiterated.

The Prime Minister claimed that more than 110 fishing ports and landing centers were under development, and the safe return of fishermen's vessels was ensured. The Prime Minister, citing examples of the cold chain, processing facilities, loan schemes for boats and PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, said that more developmental steps were now taken to develop the coastal villages while strengthening the government organizations of the fishermen too.

The Prime Minister explained that this present government has always worked for those belonging to the backward classes and made all possible opportunities for the deprived, while the policies brought in by previous governments have constantly held the fishermen and tribal community at the margins with not even a single department for the welfare of tribal communities in such large tribal-dominated areas in the country. It is our government, which created separate ministries for both fishermen and tribal communities. Today, the neglected tribal areas are availing benefits of PM JanMan Yojana and our tribal and fishermen communities are making a huge contribution toward the development of our country," Shri Modi remarked.

Lauding the state government for its women-led development approach, he said Maharashtra was laying down the path of women empowerment for the nation. Referring to the fact that women were doing an excellent job in many high positions in Maharashtra, the Prime Minister recalled Sujata Saunik guiding the state administration as Chief Secretary for the first time in the history of the state. Similarly, the DGP Rashmi Shukla was leading the state police force and Shomita Biswas leading as the head of the state's Forest Force. Suvarna Kewale was handling responsibility as head of the state's Law Department. He also states that the state has Jaya Bhagat as its Principal Accountant General, Prachi Swaroop heading the Customs Department in Mumbai, and Ashwini Bhide is the MD of Mumbai Metro. Speaking about the women of Maharashtra in the realm of higher education, the Prime Minister mentioned Lieutenant General Dr Madhuri Kanitkar, the Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra Health University, and Dr Apoorva Palkar, the first Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra's Skills University. These achievements of women are an indication that women's power of the 21st century is ready to give a new direction to society, Shri Modi said adding that this woman's power is the biggest foundation of Viksit Bharat.

In the concluding speech, the Prime Minister declared this government as one that works with the 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.' With the people of Maharashtra, Shri Modi expressed confidence that the state will reach new heights of development.

Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C P Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Shri Ajit Pawar, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh were also present on the occasion among others.

Background

It is estimated to cost around Rs 76,000 crore. This project will lay the foundation stone for a world-class maritime gateway that would catapult the country's trade and economic growth by catering for large container vessels, with deeper drafts, and ultra-large cargo ships. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Vadhvan Port.

Vadhvan Port shall be constructed next to the Dahanu town in the Palghar district, which happens to be one of the largest deep-water ports that would offer direct connectivity to the international shipping routes that would reduce transit time and costs. The port will be provided with state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure that will feature deep berths, efficient cargo handling facilities, and modern port management systems. This port is anticipated to offer major job opportunities and boost local business and thus enrich regional economic development.

Following the framework of sustainable development, this Vadhvan Port project implements establishing an example of minimum environmental effect and sticking to certain strict ecological standards. After its commissioning, it will enhance India's maritime connectivity with the rest of the world and also add to the further strengthening of India as a global trading hub.

The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 218 fisheries projects worth approx Rs 1,560 crore, focusing on the infrastructure and productivity base of the sector all over the country. It will also generate employment opportunities for over five lakh people in the fisheries sector.

The Prime Minister launched the National Roll Out of Vessel Communication and Support system at an estimated cost of about Rs 360 crore. Under this project, 1 lakh transponders will be installed in a phased manner on mechanized and motorized fishing vessels in 13 coastal states and Union Territories. The Vessel Communication and Support System is an indigenous technology developed by ISRO, which will help in establishing two-way communication while the fishermen are at sea and also help in rescue operations besides ensuring the safety of our fishermen.

Other initiatives undertaken by the Prime Minister include the development of fishing harbours and Integrated Aquaparks in addition to adopting advanced technologies like the Recirculatory Aquaculture System and Biofloc. These projects would be undertaken in many states to create much-needed infrastructure and quality inputs to enhance fish production, improve post-harvest management, and create sustainable livelihoods for millions engaged in fisheries.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for important fishery infrastructure projects, including the development, upgradation and modernization of fishing harbours, fish landing centers and the construction of fish markets. This is expected to provide necessary facilities and hygienic conditions for the post-harvest management of fish and seafood.