7-Sep-2022: Cabinet approves Kochi Metro Rail Project Phase-II from JLN Stadium to Infopark via Kakkanad

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the implementation of the Kochi metro Rail Phase II of Kochi Metro Rail Project from JLN Stadium to Infopark via Kakkanad, at a cost of Rs.1,957.05 crore, with a length of 11.17 Kms and 11 stations. The preparatory works for Phase-II including road widening of Seaport Airport Road are progressing well.

Phase-I in Kochi from Aluva to Petta, covering a length of 25.6 Km with 22 stations at an estimated completion cost of Rs.5181.79 crore is fully operational.

Kochi Metro Phase 1A project of viaduct of 1.80 km between Petta to SN Junction with an approved cost of Rs.710.93 crore. The Project is being implemented as state sector project. Presently all construction activities related with the Project is over and the Project is ready for inauguration.

Kochi Metro Phase 1 B Project of 1.20 Km from SN Junction to Thripunithura Terminal is under construction as state sector project.

Background: Kochi is the most densely populated city in the State of Kerala and is part of an extended metropolitan region, which is the largest urban agglomeration in Kerala. Kochi metropolitan area is estimated to have population of about 20.8 Lakh in year 2013, 25.8 Lakh in 2021 and 33.12 Lakh by the year 2031.

20-Aug-2022: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal visits Chabahar Port in Iran to Review work progress

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal paid a visit to the Shahid Behestti port at Chabahar in Iran to review the progress in the development of the port today. In an effort to invigorate the potential of Chabahar port, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal also handed over Six mobile harbour cranes to Indian Ports Global Chabahar Free Trade Zone (IPGCFTZ) at the port today. The Union Minister was accompanied by the India’s Ambassador to Iran, Gaddam Dharmendra. Dr Ali Akbar Safaee, Deputy Minister and Managing Director of Ports and Maritime Organisation, Iran, led the Iranian delegation at the launch today.

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Dr Ali Akbar Safaee had a fruitful meeting on development of maritime and port cooperation between Iran and India. Both the delegation discussed the possibilities of trade & unlock trade potential between Central Asian countries with South Asian, ASEAN and even from Far East countries like Japan and Korea. The Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal reiterated the role Chabahar port can play in reducing distance, time and cost. It was decided to form a joint technical committee for smooth functioning of the port. The meeting also addressed the future course of action towards development of the port.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “Our shared historical relationship has been the seedbed of Indo Iranian bilateral relationship. The sustained engagement and all round efforts in the preceeding years provide an ideal platform for further expansion and deepening of the bilateral relation. India remains fully committed to develop the Chabahar port to realise the vision set during Indian PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s visit to Iran in 2016.  The inauguration of the SIX mobile harbour cranes would act as a force multiplier for the operation of the Shahid Behesti Port and further fuel impetus  to the development of the Chabahar port. The strategic role of Chabahar port to unlock trade potential in the regional trade between Central Asia, South Asia & South East Asia is huge. We are continuously working towards making the International North South Transport Corridor as the preferred route of trade between the two regions.”

Since India Ports Global Private Limited (IPGPL) assumed operations of Shahid Beheshti Port, it has handled over 4.8 million tons of bulk cargo. The trans-shipment of goods were from varied countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Germany, Oman, Romania, Russia, Thailand, UAE, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. With close cooperation between India’s IGPL and Iranian stakeholders including Iran’s Port and Maritime Organisation, Iranian Customs Administration and the Chabahar Free Zone Authority, Shahid Beheshti Port Authority & other stakeholders, the Port is likely to act as a catalyst to unlock the huge trade potential in the region. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Sepahi, Provincial Deputy Governor and the Governor of Chabahar City, Mr. Ebrahimi, Interim CEO of Chabahar Free Trade Zone Organisation among other senior officials from Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India, the Indian Embassy and the officials from Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal is on a three days official tour to Iran and UAE where he is slated to visit Chabahar Port in Iran and Jebel Ali Port in UAE. The visit is aimed at strengthening the ties and maritime relationship between the two nations. The visit also intends to highlight the importance of Chabahar port as a gateway for Indian trade with Europe, Russia and CIS countries.

31-Jul-2022: India to work towards unlocking trade potential with Central Asia through Chabahar Port

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal affirmed India’s commitment towards unlocking the trade potential with the Central Asian region through the use of Chabahar Port in Iran.  On the occasion of ‘Chabahar Day’, Union Ports, Shipping & Waterways Ministry along with the Indian Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) which was formed to participate in Shahid Behesthi Port at Chabahar development project, organized a conference in Mumbai today, where the Union Minister Shri Sonowal and the Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Tourism Shri Shripad Yesso Naik interacted with the high level diplomatic delegation from Central Asian Countries. Shri Sonowal also said, “Our vision is to make Chabahar Port a transit hub under the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to reach out to CIS countries”.

“Chabahar Day” is celebrated to mark the beginning of INSTC - an Indian vision to economize movement of cargo between India and Central Asia. The Chabahar Port located in Iran is the commercial transit centre for the region and especially Central Asia.

The high level diplomatic delegation present on the occasion included His Excellency Mr. Nurlan Zhalgasbayev, Ambassador, Republic of Kazakhstan; His Excellency Mr. Asein Isaev, Ambassador, Kyrgyzstan; His Excellency Mr. Lukmon Bobokalonzoda, Ambassador Tajikistan; His Excellency Mr. Shalar Geldynazarov Ambassador, Turkmenistan, His Excellency Mr. Dilshod Akhatov, Ambassador, Uzbekistan, His Excellency Mr. Jalil Eslami, Deputy of Port and Economic Affairs of PMO; Ms. Zakia Wardak, Consul General (CG), Afghanistan; His Excellency Dr A M

Alikhani, Consul General, Islamic Republic of Iran and His Excellency Mr. Masoud Ostad Hossein . Shri Rajeev Jalota, Chairman, Indian Ports Association, Shri JP Singh, Joint Secretary (PAI), Ministry of External Affairs and Shri Sunil Mukundan, MD, Indian Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) were also present among the dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, the Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister said, “The idea of INSTC via the vibrant Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar in Iran is an idea to connect the two markets using a multi modal logistical corridor”. This will rationalise our logistics cost which will contribute towards the trade volume between the two regions, he said. Thanking all the stakeholders’ who have shown active support for the development of the Chabahar Port, he said, through combined efforts, a point of connectivity enhancing trade and commerce among India and Central Asian countries has been successfully developed.

Shri Sonowal further said, Chabahar Port links the rich Central Asian region with the South Asian markets. It has emerged as significant for trade, economic collaborations and connecting people between the two geographies. Owing to the potential of the Central Asian markets, the India-led connectivity has provided a secure and commercially viable access to the Indian Ocean region for Central Asian countries. This link will not only provide connectivity, but also drive investments further supporting our cultural and political ties, he added.  It will additionally develop the transit and transport potential of the Central Asian Region and improve their logistic network, he added.  Chabahar Port will lead to promoting a joint initiative to create a regional and international transport corridor over there, said the Minister. Further, the aim is to develop universally recognized international norms, good governance, rule of law and equality at Chabahar Port, said the Minister.

Shri Sonowal also said that loading and unloading capacity of the Shahid Beheshthi Port at Chabahar which today stands 8.5 million tonnes, will be enhanced to 15 million tonnes on completion of the Phase I of the project.

Welcoming the Central Asian countries to use the services of Shahid Beheshti Port for facilitating their trade with India and other external markets, Shri Sonowal urged all stakeholders to provide suggestions on promoting Chabahar INSTC Link to further reduce the transportation time, open a shorter, faster and more reliable route from India to Central Asia and increase the feasibility of hassle-free trade between the two regions. “I would like to take this opportunity to request all of you to take this message ahead to make your business community aware about the opportunity and potential that this route may unlock”, said Shri Sonowal.

MoS Shri Shripad Yesso Naik said that, in the coming years, developments in the Shahid Beheshti Port will support the faster growth of business and raise standards of living in the region. This infrastructural linkage would lead to expansion of trade and investment prospects in the region, he added. “This trade meet will have to create opportunities through Shahid Beheshthi Port and help it grow more in the maritime sector”, Shri Naik stated in the conference.

During the event, the delegates from the Central Asian countries highlighted how Chabahar link with INSTC can play a vital role in boosting EXIM trade in their regions and its potential to further boost development in the landlocked countries. During the day-long event, several presentations & Govt to business sessions took place. Presentations & speeches were given by Chairman IPA, MD IPGL, FFFAI & Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India.

31-Jul-2022: ‘Chabahar Day’ observed to  promote Chabahar – Link to INSTC - Connecting Central Asian Markets

Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in association with India Ports Global observed ‘Chabahar Day’ to mark the Chabahar – Link to INSTC - Connecting Central Asian Markets in Mumbai today. INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) is India’s vision and initiative to reduce the time taken for EXIM shipments to reach Russia, Europe, and enter the central Asian markets. The Chabahar Port located in Iran is the commercial transit center for the region and especially Central Asia.

The Union Minister, MoPSW & AYUSH, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State, MoPSW, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, H.E. Mr. Nurlan Zhalgasbayev, Ambassador-Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E Mr. Asein Isaev, Ambassador- Kyrgyzstan, H.E Mr. Lukmon Bobokalonzoda Ambassador Tajikistan, H.E Mr. Shalar Geldynazarov Amassador, Turkmenistan, H.E Mr. Dilshod Akhatov, Ambassador- Uzbekistan, H.E. Mr. Jalil Eslami, Deputy of Port and economic affairs of PMO, Ms. Zakia Wardak, Consul General (CG), Afghanistan, H.E Dr. Mr. A. M. Alikhani Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Mr. Masoud Ostad Hossein, Advisor to the minister & head of the centre for international affairs of ministry of Road and Urban Development, Iran, Shri Rajeev Jalota, Chairman, Indian Ports Association  and Shri Sunil Mukundan, MD, IPGL were the honorable dignitaries who graced the event through their presence along with other esteemed guests.

Shri Sarbananda Sonwal in his address stated that Our vision is to make Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar a transit hub and linking it to INSTC to reach out to Central Asian Countries. He said we look forward to businesses and logistics companies to utilize the incentives of the Shahid Beheshti Port and Chabahar Free Trade Zone. We urge all the representatives and stakeholders to come forward with suggestions to reduce the transportation time and cost further to make a cheaper , shorter, faster and more reliable route from India to Iran and Central Asia , he added .

During the event, the delegates from the Central Asian countries highlighted how Chabahar link with INSTC can play a vital role in boosting EXIM trade in their regions and its potential to further boost development in the landlocked countries. During the day-long event, several presentations and Government to Business sessions took place. Presentations and speeches were given by Chairman IPA, MD IPGL, FFFAI and Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs.  The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Director Operations, IPGL.

18-Jan-2021: Government of India strengthens cargo handling capacity of Chabahar Port, Iran

India has supplied a consignment of two Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHC) to Iran’s Chabahar port, with a total contract value of over USD 25 Million under a contract agreement for supply of 6 MHC. The consignment of cranes arrived from Marghera port, Italy has been unloaded successfully on 18th January, 2021 at Chabahar port and presently undergoing trials run.

With 140 metric tons lifting capacity, multipurpose equipment and accessories like Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHC) will enable  India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) to provide seamless services for Container, Bulk and General Cargo at Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar.

This is a step towards India’s commitment towards infrastructure development of ‎Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar.

The bilateral contract between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Republic of India was signed on 23rd  May 2016 with a total value of USD 85 million ‎for Equipping, Mechanizing and starting Operations at Shahid Beheshti Port of Chabahar development Phase- I. To achieve this ambitious aim, an SPV namely India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) Mumbai was incorporated under the ambit of the Ministry of Ports, ‎Shipping and Waterways.

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (I/C), Shri Mansukh Mandaviya stated that Chabahar Port is a strategic port with great national importance. The delivery of consignment of heavy equipment, including cranes shows India’s commitment to the strategic connectivity of Chabahar port project that will provide access to markets in Central Asia. Development of Chabahar port is the anchor for the expansion of economic and mutual relations between India and Iran and it will give a further boost to the maritime trade between both the countries.

The location of Chabahar Port has strategically advantage and high potential to provide connectivity among India, Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and other CIS countries specially Eastern CIS countries to increase trade between these countries.

20-Dec-2019: India, Afghanistan and Iran met to discuss on Chabahar port

On December 20, 2019, India, Afghanistan and Iran met at New Delhi to discuss the issues in the implementation of Chabahar port in Iran. The port is considered as a gateway of opportunities with Central Asian Nations by all the three countries.

The work of the Chabahar port is being conducted by the Port Global Ltd Company and the progress of the project was welcomed by all three countries. It was also agreed to include Mormugoa and New Mangalore ports of India under the Chabahar Agreement.

It was also decided that a study will be conducted by Freight Forwarder Association in India to streamline the cargo transit in the country. The professionals of the meet also agree to finalize a protocol to harmonize transit of goods, consular matters and customs and till then the TIR convention is to be used.

The meeting also high lightened that the port has handled 5 lakh tons of cargo in 2019. It includes exports from Afghanistan from the port that began in February 2019.

The Chabahar port, which is easily accessible from India's western coast, is increasingly seen as a counter to Pakistan's Gwadar Port which is being developed with the Chinese investment.

The first meeting of the committee was held in October 2018. The third meeting is to be held in the first half of 2020.

25-Dec-2018: India Takes Over Iran's Strategic Chabahar Port

India has formally taken over operations at Iran's strategic Chabahar Port, a move that could have significant geopolitical ramifications in the region.

The port on the Indian Ocean, inaugurated last year, is being built largely by India and is expected to provide a key supply route for Afghanistan while allowing India to bypass rival Pakistan to trade with Central Asia.

Representatives from India, Iran, and Afghanistan met in Tehran to formally hand over control to state-owned India Ports Global Limited (IPGL).

IPGL had been granted the lease for "a temporary period of 18 months and a ten-year period afterwards. IPGL’s management would include "loading and unloading, supplying equipment and marketing."

The U.S. State Department in November exempted the Chabahar Port project from sanctions in recognition of its importance to landlocked Afghanistan.

The effort to build up Afghanistan's economy is also aimed at reducing Kabul's dependence on foreign aid and putting a major dent in the illicit opium trade that has been a major source of revenue for the Taliban insurgency.

New Delhi has poured $2 billion into development in Afghanistan since the 2001 U.S.-led overthrow of the Taliban's government.

23-Oct-2018: First Trilateral Meeting between India, Afghanistan and Iran of the Coordination Council of the Chabahar Agreement

The first trilateral meeting between India, Afghanistan and Iran of the Coordination Council of the Chabahar Agreement took place on October 23, 2018 in Tehran. The Indian delegation was led by Mr. T.S. Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations). The Afghan and Iran delegations were led by respective Deputy Ministers of Transport.

Detailed discussions were held between the three sides on full operationalisation of the trilateral Agreement for international transit and transport through Chabahar Port. All sides shared the view that full operationalisation of trilateral Chabahar initiative will promote connectivity and economic development of Afghanistan and the region.

It was decided to constitute a Follow-up committee that would hold its first meeting within two months in Chabahar Port, Iran. It would, inter alia, discuss and aim to finalise protocol to harmonise transit, roads, customs, consular matters that was shared by the Indian side at the meeting for making the route attractive, decrease logistic costs and pave the way for smooth implementation of the Trilateral Chabahar Agreement.

It was decided to hold the next meeting of the Coordination Council in the first half of 2019 in India.

18-Feb-2018: India Gets Control of Chabahar Port for 18 Months

India and Iran signed a significant pact which gives operational control of a part of the strategically located Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman for 18 months. The agreement was signed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, focussing on ramping up regional connectivity and intensifying bilateral trade and investment.

Both sides deliberated extensively on intensifying cooperation in the oil sector and agreed to move beyond traditional "buyer-seller" relationship and develop it into a long-term strategic partnership. During the talks, it was agreed to continue and increase the pace of negotiation for reaching appropriate results in energy cooperation, including on Farzad-B gas field.

Farzad-B was discovered by ONGC Videsh Ltd in the Farsi block about 10 years ago. The project has so far cost the OVL-led consortium, which also includes Oil India Ltd and Indian Oil Corp (IOC), over USD 80 million. OVL in its USD 11 billion master development plan (MDP) proposed drilling wells in Persian Gulf to produce gas, transport it to onshore via sub-sea pipeline and build a plant to liquefy the gas (LNG) for transportation in ships.

The first phase of the Chabahar port was inaugurated in December last year, opening a new strategic route connecting Iran, India and Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan.

The port in the Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich nation's southern coast is easily accessible from India's western coast and is increasingly seen as a counter to Pakistan's Gwadar Port, which is being developed with Chinese investment and is located at distance of around 80 km from Chabahar. The lease contract for Shahid Beheshti Port -- Phase 1 of Chabahar -- was signed between Port and Maritime Organization of Iran and India Ports Global Limited.

The Iranian side welcomed the investment of Indian side in setting up plants in sectors such as fertilizers, petrochemicals and metallurgy in Chabahar free trade zone on terms mutually beneficial to the concerned parties. With a view to fully utilise the potential of the Chabahar port and its connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia, India conveyed its readiness to support the development of Chabahar- Zahedan rail line.

Indian Railway Construction International Ltd (IRCON) and Iran's Construction and Development of Transportation Infrastructure Company (CDTIC), which are engaged in discussions, were tasked to finalise the technical parameters and financing options for the project in a time bound manner. The Chabahar port is being considered by India, Iran and Afghanistan as a gateway to major opportunities for trade with central Asian countries.

India has been closely working with Afghanistan and Iran to create an alternative, reliable access routes for trade as Pakistan has been denying transit access to it. Under the agreement signed between India and Iran in May 2016, India is to equip and operate two berths in Chabahar Port Phase-I with capital investment of USD 85.21 million and annual revenue expenditure of USD 22.95 million on a 10-year lease.

In May 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan had inked a pact which entailed establishment of Transit and Transport Corridor among the three countries using Chabahar Port as one of the regional hubs for sea transportation in Iran, besides multi-modal transport of goods and passengers across the three nations.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to International North- South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and stressed on the need for inclusion of Chabahar within its framework. It was noted that Iran will hold an early meeting of the INSTC Coordination Meeting in Tehran. India's accession to TIR Convention and Ashgabat agreement was welcomed as additional steps at enhancing regional connectivity and linking regional centers of economic growth," the statement said.

The Convention on International Transport of Goods Under Cover of TIR Carnets (TIR Convention) is a multilateral treaty that was concluded at Geneva on November 14, 1975, to simplify and harmonise the administrative formalities of international road transport. Modi and Rouhani also released a joint postage stamp depicting Deendayal Port, Kandla and Shahid Beheshti Terminal, Chabahar that reflected the enhanced prosperity through greater connectivity.

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