Maharashtra sets up High Powered Committee for implementation of Maritime Development Policy

The state government 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 is headed by Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal.

With the aim of integrated and dynamic development of the Maharashtra maritime sector, the Maharashtra Maritime Development Policy-2023 was announced in August 2023. 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, with the HPC set to address all these issues and take decisions and make recommendations to the state government.

For the speedy and effective implementation of the Port Development Policy and Water Transport Project, an HPC had been constituted in 2021. Since the Maharashtra Maritime Development Policy-2023 has since been announced, forming a new HPC was under consideration to take action on the policy and take decisions on various strategic and important subjects related to development and functioning of ports, the Government Resolution (GR) states.

The HPC will resolve policy issues in the implementation of various projects under the Maharashtra Maritime Development Policy-2023, and take decisions or recommendations on important subjects related to the implementation of maritime projects through PPP or private participation. It will make policy decisions or recommendations on concession agreements, project duration, extension, restructuring and significant changes in project implementation, and coordinate on inter-departmental issues related to the availability of land, water areas, infrastructure and other government assets for port projects, according to the GR.

Officials said the HPC will review difficulties arising regarding the permissions or approvals of various departments required for port development and coordinate among the relevant departments. It will recommend necessary policy reforms and incentive measures to increase investment in the maritime sector.

The 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 problems being faced in implementing port development and passenger water transport projects, officials said.