India to increase handling capacity to 1,500 million tonnes by the end of the 11th five-year plan

The handling capacity of major ports in India is expected to touch 1,500 million tonnes by the end of the 11th five-year plan and the required capacity will be achieved during the plan period itself, the Hindu Business Line reported.
Union Shipping Minister, TR Baalu pointed out that the total handling capacity of major ports in 2007-08 was 519 million tonnes as against 345 million tonnes in 2004-05, an increase of 56 percent.
He said his Ministry has initiated steps to commission 276 port development projects and 111 for the shipping and inland water transport sector.