**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2127, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways addressed the development of major maritime projects. Regarding the Vadhavan Port project, environmental clearance has been obtained, and the 3D notification for land acquisition concerning road and rail connectivity has been received. The development of Vizhinjam International Port is projected to reduce India's reliance on foreign ports for cargo transshipment, generating consumer surplus through savings on shipping and navigation costs and enhancing national port competitiveness. The Ministry is actively pursuing measures to increase Indian cargo traffic through Chabahar and Sittwe ports, including infrastructure investment, stakeholder consultations, awareness campaigns, and incentive programs. The target completion date for phase 1A of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat is set for September 2025.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The Indian government ministry responsible for ports, shipping, and waterways.
Vadhavan Port project: A port project for which land acquisition and environmental clearances were discussed.
Vizhinjam International Port: A port project intended to reduce India's dependence on foreign ports for cargo transshipment, located in Kerala.
Chabahar Port: A port in Iran through which the government proposes to increase Indian cargo traffic.
Sittwe Port: A port in Myanmar through which the government proposes to increase Indian cargo traffic.
Maritime Heritage Complex: A complex to be built at Lothal, Gujarat.
Lothal, Gujarat: The location in Gujarat where the Maritime Heritage Complex is to be built.
Sarbananda Sonowal: Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2127
ANSWERED ON 01.08.2025
DEVELOPMENT OF MAJOR MARITIME PROJECTS
2127. SHRI CHAVDA VINOD LAKHAMSHI:
SHRI PRAVEEN PATEL:
Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:
प(cid:517)न, पोत प(cid:303)रवहन एवं जलमाग(cid:330) मं(cid:361)ालय
(a) whether land acquisition and environmental clearances have been obtained for the
Vadhavan Port project;
(b) the manner in which the development of Vizhinjam International Port is likely to reduce
India's dependence on other international ports for cargo trans-shipment;
(c) whether the Government proposes to increase Indian cargo traffic through Chabahar
and Sittwe ports;
(d) whether any timeline has been set for completion of the Maritime Heritage Complex
to be built at Lothal, Gujarat; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) The Environmental Clearance has been obtained and 3D Notification for Land
acquisition with respect to Road and Rail Connectivity has been received.
(b) The development of the Vizhinjam Project is expected to bring back a significant
portion of the Indian cargo transshipment currently conducted at foreign ports. Once fully
developed the transshipment business is set to generate significant consumer surplus by
savings on shipping and navigation costs. By attracting mainline vessels and establishing
itself as a competitive transshipment hub, Vizhinjam International Port is certain to
minimize India's dependence on foreign ports and strengthen national port
competitiveness.(c) Yes. The Ministry is continuously taking several measures such as investing in port
infrastructure, conducting stakeholder consultations and awareness campaigns and
providing a range of incentives to increase trade and traffic.
(d) and (e) The target completion date for phase 1A of the project “Development of
National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat” is September, 2025.
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