India: Officials Support Port Infrastructure Improvement Projects

The Cabinet Committee on Investment directed various security agencies to adhere to the timeline of 12 weeks already approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, for grant of security clearances for port infrastructure improvement projects.

In the year 2012-13, 32 projects were awarded resulting in capacity addition of 136.75 MTPA and involving an investment of Rs.6765 crore. In order to expedite the process of security clearance for port projects, the Ministry of Shipping has formulated guidelines for streamlining the procedure for grant of security clearance, which have been approved the Cabinet Committee on Security.

According to these guidelines, security inputs have to be provided by the various security agencies within a period of 12 weeks, and once the security clearance is accorded, it is valid for three years, unless there is a change in shareholding pattern.

Background

Ports play a vital role in overall economic development of the country. In order to transform Indian ports into world class ports, the Ministry of Shipping has taken various policy initiatives, such as improving port infrastructure, modernizing existing facilities, increasing the capacity and draft at ports.

The Government of India has been promoting enhancement of capacity at major ports through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode for construction of berths/terminals/jetties and mechanization of berths for cargo handling.

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Press Release, May 24, 2013