INDIA'S shipping minister has stressed the need for creating efficient surface transport logistical support in the shape of modern port infrastructure, writes Shirish Nadkarni in Mumbai.

'We have an outstanding growth in gross domestic product, nearly touching two digits for the past three years,' said T R Baalu.

'But we badly need port infrastructure of international standards; and my ministry has conceived a very ambitious National Maritime Development Programme to build, develop and expand modern port infrastructure.

The minister said that well-developed and modern rail and road connectivity was essential for the efficient functioning of ports, especially for fast clearance and evacuation of cargo and better use of the storage area at ports.

'The economy achieved through hassle-free transportation should make our exports more competitive in the regional and international context,' he added.

Referring to the International Container Transhipment Terminal, being constructed by Dubai Ports World at Vallarpadam island in Kochi, he said the marine, road and rail infrastructure created for this project would support other related projects such as the import of liquefied natural gas.