As part of the ambitious Sagarmala project, Minister for road transport, highways and shipping, Nitin Gadkari has urged the states to join hands with the Central Government for the creation of joint ventures for the development of inland waterways that could ultimately be linked up with ports and harbours to constitute a waterways network ably supported by rail and road links.

    Meanwhile, the consulting firm, McKinsey, has been roped in for preparing a master plan for Sagarmala, a well-conceived, long term plan for port led development that would ultimately connect over 7,000-kms of coastline with hinterland through rail, road and inland waterways network. Significantly, Mckinsey will also co-ordinate with various agencies involved in the implementation of this infrastructure development programme of great significance to national development.

   The project has already received, in-principle, approval and it is proposed to....