(a) whether Andhra Government has sought clearance as well as financial assistance from the Union Government for implementation of various maritime projects in the State;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by when the necessary clearance is likely to be accorded?
MINISTER OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI T.R. BAALU)
(a) & (b) In the context of the exercise undertaken to formulate a Policy for the Maritime Sector (Ports, Merchant Shipping and IWT) and the National Maritime Development Programme, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has submitted a proposal for establishment of National Sea waterways along the North Coastal Andhra Pradesh with the associated development of Coastal and Marine Infrastructure of Ports/Warehouses and complementary development of Coastal and Marine Infrastructure and IMO compliances, for consideration and approval of the Central Government. The Project component includes development and establishment of new ports at 10 locations, development and construction of 4 trestle structures, improvements to existing minor ports, logistics and warehouses, sub-projects like ship-repair facility, fish landing and fishery infrastructure, oil spill response unit, ship breaking yard, coastal tourism and recreational infrastructure, sheltered waters and ports of refuge as also preparation of Detailed Project Reports. The total project estimate as furnished by the Government of Andhra Pradesh is Rs. 6050 crores out of which an amount of Rs. 1353.63 crores is proposed from private sector and financial support of Rs.4699 crores for implementation over a two year programme has been sought from the Central Government.
(c) Whereas, responsibility for development/up-gradation of minor ports vests with the State Government, there is no on going scheme under which Central financial assistance could be rendered for the projects as sought by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.