286 port-related, 111 shipping projects in 11th Plan: Baalu

Chennai, Feb 17 (UNI) The Union Shipping, Road Tansport and Highways Ministry will implement 286 port-related projects and 111 shipping projects at a cost of Rs 60,000 crore and Rs 40,000 crore respectively during the 11th Five Year Plan.

Talking to medipersons after inaugurating the new ship-on-campus at the Vels Academy of Maritime Education and Training at Thalambur suburb here today, Union Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister T R Baalu said the port-related projects were expected to be completed by 2011-12 and the shipping projects by 2025.

''The Centre has planned to acquire two very large crude oil carriers, eight cargo vessels, 20 containers and six tankers to carry cargo from the country to other destinations,'' he added.

There was a shortage of 1,000 officers to operate Indian ships, Mr Baalu said, adding the government had planned to provide tax rebate in salary for the officers operating ships with foreign flags, so that they would return to Indian ships.

The shipping ministry had planned to increase the cargo handling in ports from the existing 600 million metric tonne to 1.5 billion metric tonne during the 11th Five Year Plan, he added.

UNI