New Delhi/ Patna: A crucial meeting of the Standing Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture was held on Wednesday at Parliament House in New Delhi, chaired by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha. The committee discussed strategies to expand India’s port capacity, tackle congestion, and address logistical challenges.
Representatives from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways presented updates on ongoing port development projects. During the meeting, Sanjay Jha, who also serves as the acting national president of the JD(U), emphasized the need to address the challenges faced by landlocked states that lack direct access to major ports.
Jha called for the development of inland waterways in these states, improved connectivity through dry ports, and enhanced rail and road links to existing ports. He also proposed the establishment of logistics parks in major cities to strengthen supply chains and improve economic conditions in geographically disadvantaged regions. “These steps will not only boost the economic prospects of landlocked states but also contribute to expanding the overall capacity of the nation’s ports,” he said.
Jha further highlighted the need for vigilance regarding the evolving situation in the Red Sea, cautioning the Ministry to ensure that Indian trade is not adversely affected by the crisis in the region.
He also stressed the importance of advancing maritime education in India to ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals for the growing port industry. Jha urged the Ministry to take proactive steps in training and capacity-building initiatives to prevent a shortage of qualified manpower in the future.
The committee members expressed unanimous support for the proposed measures to enhance port infrastructure and capacity. Senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways and members of the committee were present during the meeting, which underscored the significance of addressing both regional connectivity and national port development in India.
