Centre proposes two satellite ports in J&K, seeks 300 acres of land from state

Chenani(Udhampur): The Centre has proposed to set up two satellite (dry) ports in Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate "direct import and export" and has sought 300 acres of land from the state government for the purpose, even as it plans to undertake highway projects worth Rs 25,000 crore in the state in 2015.

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said the Narendra Modi dispensation is also willing to spend Rs 500-600 crore to set up about 10 'Roadside Amenities' units along the state's expanding highway network if the Jammu and Kashmir government provides land for such facilities.

"I have proposed to (Deputy Chief Minister) Nirmal Singh Ji that I want to give two dry/satellite ports to Jammu and Kashmir... Please select two places close to national highway, river and railway.

"Give us 300 acres of land so that there will be direct import and export from Jammu and Kashmir. Containers will be sealed here and sent directly," Gadkari told in Chennai.

The Union minister reiterated the Centre's promise to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir with full support and said the proposed plans in infrastructure development, besides highway projects, are part of it efforts to boost the state's economy and generate employment.

"I have told (Union minister hailing from J&K) Dr Jitendra Singh to provide us land along national highways for setting up 8 to 10 'Roadside Amenities'. If the government provides us 40 to 50 acres of land, we will spend money on it and set up 10 such units in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The 'Roadside Amenities' will have petrol pumps, hotels, restaurants, and pavilions for shops for display of local art and craft items and fruits to showcase to tourists," he said.

"One such unit will cost us around Rs 70 crore and I am ready to spent Rs 500-600 crore on it. I have told them to provide land," Gadkari said.

The Union minister said he had also requested the state government to go for inland waterways transportation in Dal Lake and other rivers and that the central government will help it in this venture.