Page 34 - NIS English December1-15

Waterways
Ro-Pax Ferry Service

CHANGING THE COASTAL MAP

With inauguration of the project to connect Hazira port of Surat and Ghogha
of Saurashtra with Ro-Pax Ferry service, the Central Government’s efforts

towards providing multi-model connectivity to the country's 21,000 kilometers
of coastline pave the way for making a strong AatmaNirbhar Bharat

eveloping better infrastructure a boon for around 20 Lakh people of the region
has been key to the Government who have flourished in Surat but by staying
Dwhether highways, railways, airways away from their homes, land and family. This
or waterways. Moreover, waterways have will provide a boost to business as connectivity
always been an important component of the will become faster. Opening of the sea route
growth and development of any society. The will shortened the journey from 10-12 hours
Government, consistently working towards to 3-4 hours. It is because the journey of 375
realising this idea of developing logistics for kilometers which was taking 10-12 hours, will
transportation in sea has started a waterway be reduced to just 90 kilometers through this
connecting Saurashtra and Surat in Gujarat. ferry service. People of this region in Gujarat
The Ro-Pax Ferry service between Ghogha have had their dreams for years, but Prime
and Hazira launched on November 8, 2020, by Minister Narendra Modi's vision to connect
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will prove to be the coastal areas to strengthen the logistics

CHANGED Inaugurating the Ro-Pax Ferry service in Gujarat, the Prime Minister renamed the
SHIPPING Ministry of Shipping as the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. He said

MINISTRY in most of the developed countries, the Ministry of Shipping handles Ports and
NAME Waterways. Now, with more clarity in name, there will be more clarity in the work.

32 New India Samachar