Two international-size shipyards proposed to be set up

New Delhi, Dec 6 (UNI) The government proposes to set up two international size shipyards, one on the East Coast and the other On the West Coast, the government informed the Lok Sabha today.

In a written reply, Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister T. R. Baalu said a committee, headed by the Indian Ports Association chairman, to identify locations and suggest measures to facilitate setting up of two international size shipyards, had submitted its report.

Mr Baalu said Mumbai Port Trust and Ennore Port Limited will function as the nodal agencies for making a preliminary preparation towards setting of shipyards, including inviting Expression of Interests, on the East and West coast of the country respectively.

The minister also said that the proposal to set up two shipyards formed part of the National Maritime Development Programme (NMDP).

Replying to another query, he said that in order to give a boost to the ship-building industry, the government had extended the Shipbuilding Subsidy Scheme to all shipyards, including those in the private sector, till October 25, 2002.

He said the government was also providing Plan/non-Plan support to the Central Public Sector Shipyards for renewal/replacement and augmentation of their shipbuilding and ship repair facilities.

No assistance by foreign countries has been given to Central Public Sector Shipyards under the administrative control of Department of Shipping, the minister informed.

UNI/SKS RL DB1900