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‘Priority for Sethu project’

Special Correspondent

The project is viable and should be implemented, says Vasan

— Photo: Anu Pushkarna

G.K.Vasan after assuming office as Minister for Shipping at his office in New Delhi on Friday.

New Delhi: “Completion of the Sethusamudram Shipping Channel Project expeditiously will be my top priority,” Shipping Minister G.K. Vasan said here on Friday.

Interacting with journalists on assuming office, Mr. Vasan pointed out that the Supreme Court had reserved its verdict on the issue and had appointed an expert committee headed by R.K. Pachauri and “we are awaiting the committee’s report.”

He said, “It will be my endeavour to complete the dream project at the earliest for the development of the nation in general and Tamil Nadu in particular. We should not look at this project from a political angle. It should be looked at from the point of view of nation’s interest, people’s interest and developmental needs.”

Positive role

Asked why the committee was taking a long time to submit its report, he said he would soon have discussions with the officials and see whether the committee could be requested to expedite its report. He said, “the government is very clear that the project is viable and should be implemented.” He expressed the hope that the judiciary would play a positive role in the implementation of the project.

Mr. Vasan outlined the priority areas of the Ministry and said that the government was committed to all-round development of the infrastructure and for this, “it is imperative that the development of ports is taken in a big way.”

He said that all possible measures would be taken to enhance the capacities of the ports. Steps would be taken for mechanisation of berths, quick loading and unloading of cargo and making ports capable of handling larger ships.

He said that ship building activity would be promoted and Indian Maritime University strengthened. “In the next three months, the Ministry of Shipping hopes to award at least six concessions in the port sector and also initiate the process for 20 other concessions.”

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