Focus on policy framework for port connectivity: CII

Chennai, Aug 31 (UNI) There is a need for a policy framework to bring together Central and state transport authorities and Railways with ports to rapidly enhance hinterland and port connectivity, a CII report said today.

The ''Feedback Ventures Report,'' released on the occasion of Suminfra 2006 -- Summit on Successful Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Infrastructure -- also urged the governments of coastal states to come up with well articulated maritime plans that could lead to strong interest from private operators to establish privately owned minor ports.

The report says the public policy and funding should be directed at bringing in increased PPPs, which is likely to enhance the hinterland connectivity and improve operational efficiency in ports.

''Poor inland connectivity and lack of port connectivity through various modes of transport remains one of the largest issues to be addressed in the ports sector'', it said.

The report emphasised on the need to view ports as "logistics chains" that include inland logistics as a big chunk of the ports.

Since the inland connectivity projects were under the realm of the National Highways Authority of India, state government agencies and the Railway Ministry, the CII urged the government to bring a policy framework to bring together these entities with the port authorities to prioritise hinterland connectivity projects.

''Such a framework would speed up the port connectivity projects,'' the report added.

UNI GV GM 1653