Kerala: In a significant development, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, conducted a comprehensive review of crucial strategic projects at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi, Kerala today. These projects, marked by their strategic importance, are set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi tomorrow.
Among the projects reviewed by the Union Minister is the 310-meter-long Drydock, constructed in accordance with international standards. Additionally, the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF), representing India’s first fully developed pure ship repair ecosystem, and the IOCL’s LPG import terminal were scrutinized. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate these projects, emphasizing their vital role in the maritime landscape of the country. Shri Sonowal also took stock of other major projects and assessed their progress.
Addressing the occasion, Shri Sonowal highlighted the nation’s progress towards self-reliance under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized the government’s concerted effort to boost the Indian-flagged vessels, reducing dependence on foreign vessels to the least possible level. Shri Sonowal mentioned the ambitious Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), which aims to position India as a global leader in the production of Green Ships. Furthermore, he disclosed plans to establish a Ship Repair Cluster in Kochi to bolster India’s shipping industry by providing a robust ecosystem.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress of the projects, Shri Sonowal, during a press conference ahead of the Prime Minister’s inauguration of projects worth Rs 4000 crore, lauded CSL’s crucial role in India’s aspirations to become a global player in the maritime sector. He disclosed that as these key projects are inaugurated, CSL is poised to double its turnover within the next four years, reaching ₹7,000 crores.
These initiatives not only align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat but also serve as effective catalysts for progress, advancement, and job creation for the nation’s citizens. Shri Sonowal emphasized that these projects are expressions of national pride, showcasing India’s prowess in engineering and project management. The initiatives underscore the essence of ‘Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas,’ symbolizing inclusive development for all.
