Palghar, Dt. 30 (Jimaka) – Fishermen have contributed a lot in the development of the country and Maharashtra. The expansion of the port will be one of the deepest and largest ports in the world. This project is going to change the economic picture of this area. Now this area will also be connected with railways and highways and this will start new businesses in this area. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted here today that this port will benefit the local people of Maharashtra along with their future generations. It was held in a program held at CIDCO ground in Palghar. On this occasion, Governor C.P. Radhakrishna, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Union Minister for Port Development, Shipping and Waterways Sarbanand Sonowal, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry George Kurien, Union Minister for Port Development, Waterways State Minister Shantanu Thakur, State Public Works Minister and Palghar Guardian Minister Ravindra Chavan, Culture Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Port Development, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Sanjay Bansode, MP Dr. Hemant Savara, MLA Srinivas Vanaga, MLA Niranjan Davkhare etc were present on the platform. State Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, Zilla Parishad President Prakash Nikam, Collector Govind Bodke, JNPA President Unmesh Wagh, Superintendent of Police Balasaheb Patil, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Bhanudas Palve, Additional Collector Bhausaheb Phatangre, Resident Deputy Collector Subhash Bhagde and others were present on this occasion. *Starting the speech communicating in Marathi language *Greetings to all the dear sisters and brothers of your servants, in these words, Prime Minister Shri communicating in Marathi language. Modi started his speech by saluting Sant Senani Maharaj on his death anniversary. I bowed my head at the feet of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and apologized for the Sindhudurg incident. He started serving the nation with devotion. He mentioned that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is an adorable deity for me and my colleagues. Today is an important day for the concept of Developed Maharashtra Developed India. Stating that this is a historic day in the development journey of the state, Mr. Modi said that Maharashtra is blessed with a rich and resourceful coastline. International trade is taking place from this coast and this will create great opportunities in the future as well. That is why it has been decided to build the largest port in the country at a cost of over Rs 76,200 crore. More than the amount of container traffic from all the ports in the country, more container traffic will be done from the port alone. This port will become a major center of trade and industrial progress of the country. The expansion of the port will change the face of the area and create a new identity. Also, this area will be connected to Western Freight Corridor, Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor. Due to this, containers will be transported in the Port of Pradhan throughout the year. This area was known earlier because of forts, now it will be known because of the modern port. *12 lakh jobs will be created due to expansion of port. On this occasion, he also said that due to expansion of the port, lakhs of rupees will be invested in the area and about 12 lakh jobs will be created. The central government has always taken big decisions for the development of Maharashtra. Development of Maharashtra is my top priority. That is why we have recently approved a port industrial zone at Dighi in Raigad district, the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This is a doubly happy thing for the citizens of Maharashtra. Dighi Port Industrial Area will become the symbol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s dream. This port will boost tourism and eco-resorts, said Prime Minister Shri. Modi said on this occasion. *Maritime strength given a distinct identity due to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj* More than 700 crore schemes have been launched today for the fishermen brothers. Also, the big works such as Pradhan Port, Dighi Port Industrial Area, launching of various fish business schemes are being done with the blessings of Mata Mahalakshmi, Mata Jijau, Mata Jivdani and Lord Tungareshwar, said Shri. Modi said. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj gave a different identity to maritime power. Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre had threatened the East India Company. This legacy of his was not noticed in later times. But today’s India is a new India. New India is bringing many changes in the country. New India recognizes its strengths and glories. We are developing infrastructure in the marine sector. Efforts were made to build ships and create employment in the country. We are investing crores in this field. Due to this, the shipping time is reduced and the traders and industries are benefited and the youth are getting new opportunities. He also said that the capacity of the country’s ports has doubled. India has become the second largest fish producing country in the world and fish production has also doubled in the last nine years. Zinga exports have also doubled. He also said that the central government is a leader in increasing the contribution of women in the fish production sector. Fishermen have contributed to the development of marine sector. With a population of 526 villages, koliwades and 15 lakh fishermen, Maharashtra’s contribution to the fisheries sector is huge. That is why our government has created a separate ministry for tribals as well as fishermen. Priority has been given to improving the quality of life of fishermen and plans are being made for their welfare. He also said that the fishermen’s organization is being strengthened to increase the strength of the fishermen brothers. The schemes of the Department of Fisheries and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana launched today will improve the quality of life of the fishermen and bring financial prosperity. He also mentioned that new employment opportunities will be created. Trade connectivity to boost growth.● The project is of prime importance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Amritkal vision of a developed India by 2047.● The expansion port on the west coast will create direct connectivity to international shipping routes and reduce transit time and cost.● State-of-the-art technology and infrastructure The well-equipped port will have deep berths, efficient cargo handling facilities and modern port management system. ● The construction of this port will create significant employment opportunities during the Amritkal, aligning with India’s overall economic goals. ● The project is expected to generate more than 10 lakh jobs.● Local businesses are expected to boost and contribute to the overall economic development of the region.● The expansion port project incorporates sustainable development practices, including minimizing environmental impact and adhering to strict environmental standards. The focus is on compliance.● Once the project is operational, the port will enhance India’s maritime connectivity and further strengthen its position as a global trade hub. ● Paradhan Port Project is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Transport and Waterways and Government of Maharashtra with active participation of private sector partners. The port is expected to be operational in phases, with the first phase scheduled to be completed by 2028.Fisheries Infrastructure Project ● Hon. Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi is laying the foundation stone of important fisheries infrastructure projects worth Rs 757.27 crore at the same event. ● This includes modernization of fishing ports and construction of fish markets. ● The project will provide necessary facilities and sanitary conditions for post-harvest management of fish and seafood. ● This initiative will also be implemented in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Orissa with the aim of increasing the infrastructure and facilities for the fishing industry in these areas. Launching of installation of transponders on fishing boats ● The plan to install transponders on one lakh fishing boats at a cost of Rs.364 crore was also approved by Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was inaugurated. ● These indigenous transponders have been developed by ISRO to ensure the safety of fishermen at sea and enable them to communicate in times of crisis. ● Indigenous transponders will help stranded fishermen to contact and deliver aid in times of crisis. 0000 Nand Kumar Waghmare/Mr.A.0000