Expansion of Port Will Be the Pinnacle of Maharashtra’s Progress – Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Palghar : Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that the expansion of the port at Adarshan, a significant asset in the infrastructure sector for both Maharashtra and India, will mark the pinnacle of the state’s progress. He emphasized that this expansion will place India’s name among the top ten container ports in the world and boost economic development in the state, creating employment for over 12 lakh youth.

The foundation-laying ceremony for the ₹76,200-crore expansion port and the inauguration of the ₹1,563-crore fisheries project and schemes were held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at CIDCO ground in Palghar. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Union Ministers Sarbanand Sonowal (Port Development, Shipping and Water Transport), Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Fisheries and Animal Husbandry), Shantanu Thakur (Port Development, Waterways), and other officials.

During the event, Prime Minister Modi distributed TransPods and Kisan Credit Cards to local fishermen and farmers.

Chief Minister Shinde highlighted that the priority is to complete the ambitious port expansion project. He outlined that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) will become a powerhouse for India’s developed economy by 2047, with infrastructure projects supporting city development. Areas like Angaon Sape and Dighi will be developed into high-growth industrial hubs, attracting significant investment and generating extensive employment opportunities.

The focus will also be on developing facilities at Pagaran Port and Dighi Port, with the MMR area being developed through NITI Aayog’s plans. The development of Palghar, Raigad, Thane districts, and Mumbai metropolis will be integrated, with ports playing a crucial role in this vision. NITI Aayog’s report emphasizes creating industrial and logistics hubs through the integrated development of ports in the MMR.

Efforts through ‘JNPA’ are being made to ensure local residents benefit from employment opportunities created by the port expansion. Skill training programs are planned for the youth of the Bandar area in Palghar district. Chief Minister Shinde affirmed that the port’s expansion will significantly boost Maharashtra’s economy.

Sarbanand Sonowal on the Port’s Modern Technology and Employment

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbanand Sonowal called the day historic, marking the foundation of the largest port in independent India. He praised the cooperation from the people of Palghar and Maharashtra and noted that the port expansion, a valuable gift from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will bring modern technology and services, creating one lakh jobs directly and more than ten to twelve lakh jobs upon completion.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Increased Fish Production

Union Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced ₹1,584 crore in schemes related to fish production, which will create employment for 5.25 lakh people. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision of developing India by 2047, mentioning the creation of a separate account for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry. Fish production has doubled to 1.75 lakh tonnes, and the installation of 1 lakh TransPods will improve weather prediction for fishermen.

An Airport Should Be Built Near the Port – Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that Maharashtra has long been at the forefront due to Mumbai and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust. He emphasized that, with the port expansion, Maharashtra will remain at the top for the next fifty years, thanks to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The idea of port expansion was conceived in the 1980s, and by 2014, Prime Minister Modi had initiated efforts to eliminate all restrictions on this expansion. Fadnavis expressed his confidence that Narendra Modi will also inaugurate the expanded port.

Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis has requested the Prime Minister to consider constructing an airport near the port, which would connect Mumbai with Vasai-Virar, following the port’s construction.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Financial Strength for Fishermen Due to Port Expansion

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar assured that the state government is committed to ensuring that no injustice is done to anyone in Palghar district. He noted that the government’s efforts are aimed at benefiting not only the current generation but also future ones. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, rapid physical, social, and economic development is occurring across the country. The port expansion will benefit Maharashtra and the entire nation. Pawar highlighted that significant initiatives are being undertaken by the central government to promote the fisheries industry, which will enhance the economic strength of fishermen and contribute to their social and economic development.