Gadkari pushes for waterways to promote transport, tourism

the goan I network
VASCO 
Highlighting the multiple benefits of waterways, Union Minister for Shipping and Water Resources Nitin Gadkari on Monday said transportation by waterways is not only cost-effective, it would involve less pollution and can even promote tourism and employment in the State. 
Gadkari was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the inland ferry services jetty and four-lane overhead road organised by the MPT at Baina. 
The plaque was unveiled at the newly constructed Airport Ferry Terminal (AFT) at Baina beach in the presence of Union AYUSH Minister Sripad Naik, Urban Development Minister Francis D’Souza, Protocol Minister Mauvin Godinho, MLAs Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha, Mormugao MLA Milind Naik, GTDC Chairman and Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral, South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar. 
Gadkari informed that the Centre has invested Rs 17,500 crore for the development of waterways across the country and called upon the people of Goa to have a positive approach to make the development possible in Goa.  
“The ecology and environment of Goa would be accorded priority while undertaking developmental works,” he assured.  
“The government has a two-fold intention behind developing inland waterways. One is to promote transport and the other is tourism,” said Gadkari. 
Informing that a 7,500 km long coastline could help the development of the country, while also giving tourism a boost, Gadkari also proposed that all hotels be linked to waterways by creating jetties and also connecting the Dabolim airport with Mopa through waterways. 
“If one wants to travel by road, the cost is Rs 1.5 per km, while it is Re 1 per km by railways and 20 paise per km by waterways. The biggest need in India is to cut the costs of logistics. To cut down these costs, we have to push for water transportation.” 
“Therefore, developing the 7,500 km long coastline as a corridor for goods and passenger traffic will be a boost to our economy,” said Gadkari. 
Highlighting other benefits of transportation by waterways, Gadkari added: “Waterways will reduce pollution. These waterways will help foreign and Indian tourists travel to their hotel by boats. As a result, diesel consumption will reduce and people can enjoy another facet of tourism by travelling on water. This is a win-win situation. This can create new jobs,” he said. 
Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik said development of waterways is the need of the hour, adding that inauguration of inland ferry services and jetty would help promote waterways and for tourist activities. 
MPT Chairman I Jeyakumar said the first phase of the inland ferry services would see the opening of routes between Vasco and Panaji and will eventually extend to other areas.  
“While the aim is to get the passenger to their end destination, it’s the journey which is a truly lovely experience. This is a new beginning for water transport in Goa,” said Jeyakumar.