Need for infrastructure development stressed

Mumbai, Jan 9 (UNI) Maharashtra Economic Develoment Coucil (MEDC) has urged the Maharashtra government to publish quarterly reviews on mega projects like power, roads, ports and others.

Addressing the ''Destination Maharashtra'' business seminar on ''Infrastructure in Maharashtra'', organised by MEDC here today, MEDC president Nandkishor Kagliwal said, ''Infrastructure is a must for fast development in the state.'' There is a need for a massive investment in mega projects in the state in the sectors of roads, telecom, power, ports and others, he stressed while suggesting that the projects could be taken up through public-private partnership, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), government funds and others.

He noted that the SME sector was poised for growth and prosperity in virtually all sectors and have the potential to generate huge exports as well as employment.

Meanwhile, speaking to UNI on the sidelines of the seminar, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust chairman S S Hussain pointed out that in the present situation in the world, major developments are centered around sea ports.

Maharashtra, to, should take cognisance of this fact and build more sea ports with state-of-the-art infrastrutural facilities on its long coastline, he added. As much as 95 per cent volume of trade is through sea ports and they are a vital link for development of the area, Mr Hussain said.

Unless there is a logistic chain for global supply, industrialisation will not materialise, he pointed out.

UNI AR MAZ RL BD1630