In view of the Government of India’s focus on developing Ports in India and its signature Industrial Corridor projects, the Consulting Engineers Association of India (CEAI) organized a Seminar on Ports & Industrial Corridors on April 7, 2017 at India International Centre, New Delhi. Mr. Gyanendra Kumar, Assistant Professor, along with 16 students of Civil Engineering Department DGI, Greater Noida participated in this Seminar.

The Seminar was inaugurated by Mr. Mansukh L Mandaviya (Hon’ble Minister of State, Road, Transport, Highway, Shipping, and Chemicals & Fertilizers) Govt. of India. In his address the minister shared the initiatives of the government in developing ports and asked all the participating company delegates to innovate and help government in their efforts.

While delivering the Welcome Address Ms. Sanoya Philip, President CEAI asked the participants to comply with the technology.

The seminar comprised of four sessions: Session - 1 was on Ports, Session - 2 was on Industrial Growth Centre, Session - 3 on Port Connectivity & Logistics and Session - 4 consisted of Panel Discussion.

Session - 1 (Ports):

The chair for the session was Padmashree Dr. Z. S. Tarapore (Former Director CWPRS). The session focused on ports construction and the technology know- how. It was discussed that the major and minor ports are handling 95% of the EXIM Cargo and the remaining is handled through air transport.

The panel was of the opinion that the coastal movement of the vessels would not create any pollution with emission of gases harmful to atmosphere.

Session - 2 (Industrial Growth Centre):

The session was chaired by Mr. Paritosh Gupta (MD IL&FS Infra Development Corporation, IIDC). The discussion was based on the industrial corridor development for the overall development of an area. Such corridors are often created in areas that have preexisting infrastructure, such as ports, highways and railroads. These modalities are arranged such that an "arterial" modality, such as a highway or railroad, receives "feeder" roads or railways.

Session - 3 (Port Connectivity & Logistics):

The Session dealt on the importance of the logistics and the connectivity of the ports. It session was chaired by Capt. S. R. Patnaik (Director& CEO, International Shipping and Logistics). Speakers were of the opinion that the development of industrial corridors will ensure there is cargo both ways and customers enjoy the benefits of reduced costs. Subsidies, low tax zones, and other incentives could be of great help.

The implementation of Goods and Service Tax (GST) will also make major changes and will play a vital role in Budget 2017. GST would bring about consolidation of warehouses which would now be set up closer to the area of consumption.

Session - 4 - Panel Discussion

The Last session of the Seminar focussed on the effective management and implementation of the various schemes in collaboration with the public private partnership. The session was chaired by Mr. K. K. Kapila (CMD, ICT Pvt. Ltd.). Mr. Kapila deliberated that post the successful rollout on 1 July 2017, the Centre and states will have to work in great sync to make the most of GST and derive mutual benefits.

The Seminar was full of information and guiding principles regarding initiatives taken by Govt. of India in the development of Industrial corridors.