VASCO
Gadkari informed that the Central government has also decided to grant a 20 per cent subsidy to ship building industries in Goa.
Addressing a news conference after commissioning India Coast Guard Ship \'Shoor\', Gadkari was responding to media queries on the difficulties faced by the barge industry and employees of Western India Shipyard.
Gadkari admitted that it was not his portfolio, but added that all private shipyards have been facing similar problems.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has informed me and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar that he is planning to come out with a scheme to award some defence projects to these private shipyards. Once these schemes are implemented, the problems faced by the private shipyards will be resolved,” said Gadkari.
Commenting on the problems plaguing the barge industry, Gadkari replied: “It is due to the stoppage of export of iron ore, due to which 250 barges are lying idle.”
“MPT Chairman I Jeyakumar has informed me that around 3 million tonnes of iron ore has been exported and during the financial year 2016-17, the export of iron ore will be around 8 million tonnes.”
“If iron ore export increases to about 8 million tonnes, the barge industry will survive as the problem faced by barges are iron-ore related,” he added.
Commenting on the development of tourism in Goa, Gadkari stated that the Central government is planning to encourage catamaran, hovercraft and seaplane services between Mumbai-Goa and Goa-Mangalore.
