Dighi-Roha rail connection to facilitate 100 mn tons. of cargo movement

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stressed that the most significant points of connectivity are Yavatmal, Gadchiroli, Beed, Nanded and Ahmednagar.

This will change the entire landscape of the State. The Chief Minister also complimented Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Hon’ble Minister for Railways for giving  direction and momentum to the country and the State of Maharashtra in particular with rail connections across the country. Port led growth will play a very important role in the overall GDP growth of the country which is largely dependent on connectivity for industrialization and overall growth.

Due to various hindrances in the past, growth of ports was neglected which facilitated the growth of ports in other States. However, the State of Maharashtra is now taking a pro-active steps to meet Prime Minister Modi’s vision which will integrate the ports across the country and Maharashtra will take a lead in promoting Port led growth, he assured his complete support to the stakeholders.

The Chief Minister also stated that several MoUs will also be signed in the near future and presently the western water front transport problems are being resolved and these developments will require New Finance models  which will have to be put in place.

Government is also taking significant steps for capacity enhancement of private and non-major ports through close and open interaction with officials for fruitful decisions which will lead to commercial growth. This is the 2nd MoU after Jaigad which was signed in 2014 for a 35 kms railway line connection.

The entire coastline of India is 7600 kms of which 10% i.e. 760 kms is in Maharashtra alone said Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways, if Maharashtra grows by 20%, India will grow by 2% that is the potential of the State of Maharashtra. The State of Maharashtra will automatically develop if the coastal areas have ports and can be connected   with rest of Maharashtra through rail road connection.

Government will not be a facilitator, but be  an initiator and will closely monitor the partnership models in the country. State and Central Government will make efforts toward improving port infrastructure and its growth said Mr. Prabhu.

Prabhu emphasized on revamping the entire cell for Public Private Partnership (PPP). Clearances must be time bound.

He said Vidharbha, Marathwada, Uttar Maharashtra should be taken on priority basis for railway connectivity which will help Konkan to get connected with the State. Rail connectivity promotes economic growth by linking regions which have ports with those industrialized areas which do not have port connections, this provides job opportunities and overall growth of regions including backward and coastal areas, he said.

Prabhu stated the example of the United States of American where ports have been developed across the coast and is an ideal example of port led growth.  Prabhu also announced the establishment of Logistics Corporation which should be established in Nagpur, because of its strategic location.

Prabhu stated that $ 150 bn of investment is required in the rail sector. LIC and Rail infra fund are the major funding agencies. Further Rs. 8,050 crores is required  for further connecting the entire country with  railways as this is also the most ecologically viable mode of transport.

Transportation is the key to development and transportation  cost will decide the cost of production,  hence development of logistic infrastructure is significant for economic growth. 

Photo Caption:

“ The Signing of MoU between  Satish Agnihotri , Chairman & Managing Director, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. and  Vijay Kalantri, Chairman and Managing Director, Dighi Port Ltd., on Roha-Dighi Port Rail connectivity, in Mumbai, April 18, 2015. In the presence of   Anant Geete, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises,  Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra,   Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister for Railways and Manoj Sinha, Minister of State for Railways.”