New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today virtually inaugurated the Ro-Pax Ferry service between Haziraand Ghogha. On the occasion, he said that this will be a Diwali gift for the people of Gujarat. He also inaugurated Hazira’s newly constructed port terminal.

The Row-Pax service is an excellent example in the development of the maritime sector. The best connectivity with the convenience of business will benefit time, fuel, as well as the environment.80 thousand passengers, will be able to travel in a year. Farmers will also be able to sell goods safely by sea.

Engineers and workers have been contributing facing several difficulties to start Ro-Pax ferry service in Gujarat.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Modi said that Gujarat has the longest coastline. The development of port connectivity with maritime capability in two decades is the pride of Gujarat. Shipbuilding policy, construction of terminal, solid cargo inDahej, Mundra port terminal is connected with ground-level connectivity. Which has given a new direction to the port sector.

The Central and State Governments have focused on developing the coastal area. Mr. Modi remarked that today, maritime business-related infrastructure and capacity building in Gujarat is in full swing.

Prime Minister said that Maritime University would be the largest center in the country to boost maritime trade. Gujarat Maritime University is a big centre for getting trained manpower and experts ready for maritime trade. Stating that the Dahej-Ghogha Ro-Ro ferry will be re-opened, the Prime Minister added that the first National Museum in the country will be set up at Lothal to preserve the country’s rich heritage.

A number of schemes have been devised to help fishermen on prosperous shores.20,000 crore will be spent under Pradhan MantriMatsyaSampadaYojana.Which will benefit millions of fishermen in Gujarat.There are 500 projects under Sagarmala project. Water transport will reduce the cost of logistics.The government is trying to create a best ecosystem.

The Prime Minister said that the focus is on accelerating water transportation. The maritime transportation will gain momentum very quickly. The country is rapidly moving in the direction of Multimodal Connectivity to reduce the cost of logistics.

Mr. Modi added today in the Bay of Bengal, India is developing its capabilities in the Indian Ocean unprecedentedly. The maritime part of the country has emerged as an important part of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The Ro-Pax ferry service will improve ‘Ease of Living’ and boost economic prosperity. Here’s how the ferry looks, an evening before the launch. pic.twitter.com/gsbs7ZPz1r

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2020

Speaking on the occasion Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Rupanisaid that Gujarat’s coastline would become India’s gateway. The launch of world class Ro-Pax service connecting Surat with Saurashtra would protect the environment in less time, with less distance and less fuel.Due to which various new projects have become possible in Gujarat today.Earlier Gujarat had endured injustice for years, but with all the cooperation of Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi, Gujarat has become a role model today.

The Development works have not even stopped during such Covid-19 pandemic.

Union Shipping Minister Mr. MansukhMandvia said that it is a golden opportunity for Gujarat.He said that Gujarat has been associated with maritime trade for centuries.The government has done an important job of accelerating this.The government is fulfilling the aspirations of the people through development.

On this occasion, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Mr.IshwarbhaiParmar, Minister of State for Health Mr. KishorKanani and MP C.R.Patil delivered occasional speeches.

On the occasion chairman of Deendayal Port Trust Mr. S. K. Mehta, MP Mrs. DarshanabenJardosh, Mayor of Surat Mr. Jagdish Patel, District Panchayat President, MLA’s leaders, Maritime Board CEO and officials were present.