RS passes Major Ports Trusts Bill

NEW DELHI, MAY 10. The Rajya Sabha today passed the Major Port Trusts (Amendment) Bill enabling port trusts to form joint ventures with the private sector, including foreign ports.

The Bill, which was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in December 1998, was passed by a voice vote.

Moving the Bill, the Minister for Surface Transport, Mr. Rajnath Singh said the amendments would facilitate major ports to attract new technology and foster strategic alliance with other ports. The amendments were necessary to meet projected cargo handling capacity of ports in the future.

According to the Ministry's estimates, the demand for cargo handling capacity by 2012 would touch 850 million tonnes, which would require 300 to 400 additional berths.

The Minister said against the projected Rs. 40,000 crore investment needed in the sector, resources from plan funds and internal resources would be only Rs. 12,000 crore. The balance would have to be met by private investment.

- PTI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : JIPMER entrance test timings