New Delhi, Dec 1 (KNN) With the aim to give a major push to shipping and port infrastructure, the government is planning to invest an estimated amount of around USD 25 billion, according to a report.

These planned upgrades to the sector will be prioritized for completion under the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan, according to the report in the Times Now.

As per the report, the ports at Paradip, Visakhapatnam, and Kolkata are in the priority list with most projects.

The PM Gatishakti National Master Plan lays the foundation of the overall infrastructure in the country and provides an integrated and holistic path to the economy. It aims to provide systematic multimodal connectivity to various economic zones for the seamless movement of people, goods, and services across India.

To keep a check on the progress made under the plan, the central government has set up the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS). The Group includes Secretaries of 20 Infrastructure and Economic User Ministries and is headed by the Cabinet Secretary.

There are 102 critical projects under Gatishakti worth USD 7.67 billion to be completed by 2024.

Out of 102 critical projects, Maharashtra has 31 projects, Karnataka 17 projects, Gujarat 16 projects, Andhra Pradesh 14 projects, Tamil Nadu/W Bengal 7 projects and Kerala/Odisha 5 projects.

According to Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the government has identified a pipeline 81 public private partnership (PPP) projects worth USD 5.18 billion to develop berths and terminals across major ports by 2024-25.

Further, new road alignments, upgradation of existing roads, and new rail projects to manage freight traffic are also being identified by the shipping ministry.  (KNN Bureau)