CARGOCONNECT-AUGUST2024 - Flipbook - Page 74
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PM Modi unveils infrastructure projects to
transform Maharashtra’s logistics network
P
rime Minister Narendra
Modi recently laid the
foundation stone and
inaugurated several high-impact
infrastructure projects in Maharashtra, with a total investment
exceeding `29,400 crore. These
initiatives span the road, rail,
and port sectors, marking a
signiocant step in enhancing the
state9s logistics and transportation network.
Among the major projects
is the 11.8 km Thane-Borivali
tunnel, valued at `16,600 crore.
This twin-tube tunnel will
provide a direct link between
the Western Express Highway in
Borivali and Thane Ghodbander
Road, passing beneath the
Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Another key project is the 6.5
km Goregaon Mulund Link Road
(GMLR) tunnel, costing over
`6,300 crore, aimed at connecting
the Western and Eastern Express
Highways.
In a bid to strengthen Maharashtra9s logistics industry, PM
Modi also laid the foundation
for the GatiShakti multimodal
cargo terminal in Navi Mumbai.
Covering more than 32,600 sq.
meters, this terminal is set to
enhance cargo handling capabilities, particularly for cement
and other commodities, and will
generate additional local employment opportunities.
Highlighting the recently
approved Vadhavan port project,
which is set to cost `76,200 crore
and create over 10 lakh jobs, Modi
emphasised its potential to further boost the region9s logistics
infrastructure.
In his speech, Modi also
underscored Maharashtra's
potential for tourism and its
role in the government9s vision
for a developed India. He cited
the completed coastal road and
Atal Setu projects, which have
signiocantly improved connectivity and saved fuel costs. The
expansion of Mumbai9s metro
network from 8 km a decade
ago to 80 km today renects the
ongoing transformation in urban
infrastructure.
Union Shipping Minister announces major initiatives
to develop Nagaland’s waterways potential
I
n a significant move to
enhance Nagaland9s waterways potential, the Union
Minister of Ports, Shipping
& Waterways, Sarbananda
Sonowal, unveiled a series of initiatives during the Stakeholder9s
Conference held in Dimapur,
Nagaland. Joined by Nagaland9s
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, the
minister announced plans to
develop the Tizu Zunki (National
74 | CARGOCONNECT AUGUST 2024
Waterways 101) through a collaborative study between the
Inland Waterways Authority of
India (IWAI) and the Nagaland
Transport Department to assess
its navigation feasibility.
Addressing the gathering,
Sonowal emphasised the economic, sustainable, and eïcient
advantages of waterways transportation. He highlighted Prime
Minister Narendra Modi9s priori-
tisation of inland waterways as a
viable alternative for developing
a robust transportation network
in India. Sonowal reiterated the
government9s commitment to
leveraging the Northeast9s rich
water resources to accelerate
India9s growth trajectory towards
becoming one of the world9s top
ove economies.
Sonowal called on stakeholders, including transporters,
EXIM traders, business interests,
and vessel owners, to seize the
opportunities presented by the
revamped waterways. He also
encouraged the region9s youth
to train in maritime skills at
the Maritime Skill Development
Centre, opening up employment
opportunities in the marine
sector.
Madhya Pradesh
abolishes transport
check posts to
streamline logistics
Pradesh governabolished transport
TcheckhementMadhya
posts across the state,
addressing concerns from
the All India Motor Transport
Congress (AIMTC) and averting
a potential truckers’ strike. This
move aligns with the Goods and
Services Tax (GST) regime's goal
of a seamless national market.
Despite GST aims, some states
maintained check posts, prompting objections from transport
associations like AIMTC. The
Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation had proposed
revising fees at its 24 border
check posts for the fiscal year
2024-25 but ultimately decided
on their removal. This decision
is expected to streamline
logistics, reduce transit times,
and enhance the efficiency of
goods movement across Madhya
Pradesh, benefiting businesses
and consumers.
Cambodia Angkor
Air partners
with Çelebi India
for Delhi cargo
operations
Angkor Air has
Cforambodia
partnered with Çelebi India
its cargo operations at the
Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal.
This partnership aligns with
Cambodia Angkor Air’s launch
of four direct weekly flights
between Phnom Penh and New
Delhi utilising an A320 aircraft.
Since the direct flight launch
between Cambodia and India in
June 2024, Cambodia Angkor Air
has also appointed Aeroprime
Group as its Indian General Sales
ans Service Agent (GSSA). The
Cambodian national flag carrier
selected Çelebi Delhi Cargo Terminal as the preferred partner
to streamline cargo handling
operations, leveraging Çelebi’s
state-of-the-art facilities and
expertise in cargo logistics, the
press communique stated.
