Ministry of Shipping to be renamed to bring clarity; Ro-Pax Ferry Service in Gujarat to aid ease of doing business, reduce transportation costs, says PM Modi

He made the remarks while addressing a gathering after inaugurating a Ro-Pax ferry service between Hazira in Surat and Ghogha in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat which will reduce the distance of 370 km of road distance to 90 km by sea route.

"Ro-Pax service between Hazira and Ghogha has made dreams come true for the people of Saurashtra and South Gujarat, as the journey is shortened from 10-12 hours to 3-4 hours. It will save time and expenses will also be reduced and about 80000 passenger trains and 30000 trucks will be able to take advantage of this new service in a year," said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister said that Gujarat's port industry is one of the biggest in the world, and the Ro-Pax ferry service will enhance ease of doing business and bring down the transportation costs.

With this connectivity boost a large section of people, including traders and students, will be benefitted, he said.

Gujrarat's large seaport and the industry surrounding it makes the state a gateway to India via the sea, Modi said, adding that work is being done to make the country's sea area a significant part of "Atmanirbhar Bharat".

"Under the Sagarmala project, work is going on over 500 projects across the country. Transportation by waterways is many times cheaper than road and railways and also causes less damage to the environment," Modi added.

Changing the name of the ministry of shipping is also a move in this direction, he said.

The Prime Minister said work is being done to develop a multimodal connectivity system within the country and with the neighbours to reduce the cost across the country.