The Maharashtra Maritime Development Policy-2023 was announced in Aug 2023
“With the aim of integrated and dynamic development of the Maharashtra maritime sector, the Maharashtra Maritime Development Policy-2023 was announced in Aug 2023. “For the speedy and effective implementation of the Port Development Policy and Water Transport Project, an HPC has been constituted in 2021. Since the Maharashtra Marine Development Policy-2023 has been announced, forming a new HPC was under consideration to take action on the policy and to take decisions on various strategic and important subjects related to development and functioning of ports,” the GR states.
THe HPC will address all these issues and take decisions and make recommendations to the state govt,” officials said. The policy provides for the development of new ports, expansion of existing ports, implementation of projects through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, jetties, marine facilities, passenger water transport, coastal water transport, port-based industries, and promotion of investment in the maritime sector. The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) administers, controls, and manages the state’s ports and regulates related maritime activities.
Mumbai: The state govt on Thursday set up a High Powered Committee (HPC) to take decisions on important subjects under the Maharashtra Maritime Development Policy-2023 and the development and functioning of ports in the state. “The HPC will resolve policy issues in the implementation of various projects under Maharashtra Marine Development Policy-2023, take decisions/recommendations on important subjects related to the implementation of maritime projects through PPP or private participation.
Officials said the HPC will review difficulties arising regarding the permissions/approvals of various departments required for port development and coordinate among the relevant departments. “HPC will examine proposals for port development projects and passenger water transport projects and make recommendations and approve appropriate amendments to various agreements entered into to resolve the problems being faced in implementing port development and passenger water transport projects,” officials said. The HPC is headed by chief secretary Rajesh Agarwal . It will make policy decisions/recommendations on concession agreements, project duration, extension, restructuring, significant changes in project implementation, etc and coordinate on inter-departmental issues related to the availability of land, water areas, infrastructure and other govt assets for port projects,” the GR stated. It will recommend necessary policy reforms and incentive measures to increase investment in the maritime sector.