There is a need to further strengthen the infrastructure of ports in the country and increase their efficiency, said President Droupadi Murmu on Monday in Paradip, Odisha.
The President said this while gracing the ‘Boita Bandana’ (boat worship) ceremony. It was organised by the Paradip Port Authority. An annual festival, Boita Bandana is observed in Odisha. It remembers the ancient maritime glory of the state, earlier known as ‘Kalinga’.
Murmu said that the government’s Sagarmala programme is a commendable step to strengthen the port activities and added that the Government of India (GOI) is working to realise the vision of ‘Ports for Prosperity’ and ‘Ports for Progress’.
The maritime trade has been playing an important role in the trade and economic development of India, the president said.
“I am told that 95 per cent of India’s total trade in terms of volume and 65 per cent in terms of value are done through sea transport,” she said, reported PTI.
Noting that the sea has been a major means of strengthening the country’s international relations, trade, and commerce, she said that literature based on the sea has also enriched Indian culture.
The President also inaugurated the Multi-Modal Logistics Park. She inspected port craft and met members of the fishing community of the state.
This is the second visit of the President to Odisha in a week after spending three days in her home district Mayurbhanj and Sambalpur on November 20.