Published By : Admin |
November 6, 2020 | 15:41 IST
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Ro-Pax ferry service will reduce travel time, logistics cost and lower environmental footprint
It will create new avenues for jobs & enterprises and give a boost to tourism in the region
Event marks a big step towards PM’s vision of harnessing waterways and integrating them with economic development of the country
પ્રધાનમંત્રી શ્રી નરેન્દ્ર મોદી 8 નવેમ્બર 2020ના રોજ સવારે 11 વાગ્યે વિડિયો કોન્ફરન્સિંગના માધ્યમથી ગુજરાતમાં હજીરા ખાતે રો–પેક્સ ટર્મિનલનું ઉદ્ઘાટન કરશે અને હજીરાથી ઘોઘા વચ્ચે રો–પેક્સ ફેરી સેવાને લીલીઝંડી બતાવી તેનો શુભારંભ કરાવશે. જળમાર્ગોનો ઉપયોગ કરવાની અને તેમને દેશના આર્થિક વિકાસ સાથે સંકલિત કરવાની પ્રધાનમંત્રીની દૂરંદેશીની દિશામાં આ કાર્યક્રમ એક મોટું ડગલું છે. પ્રધાનમંત્રી આ કાર્યક્રમ દરમિયાન સ્થાનિક વપરાશકર્તાઓ સાથે વાર્તાલાપ પણ કરશે. કેન્દ્રીય શિપિંગ રાજ્યમંત્રી અને ગુજરાતના મુખ્યમંત્રી પણ આ પ્રસંગે ઉપસ્થિત રહેશે.
હજીરા ખાતે શુભારંભ થઇ રહેલું રો–પેક્સ ટર્મિનલ 100 મીટર લાંબુ અને 400 મીટર પહોળું છે. આ ટર્મિનલ અંદાજે 25 કરોડ રૂપિયાના ખર્ચે તૈયાર કરવામાં આવ્યું છે. આ ટર્મિનલ પર વહીવટી ઓફિસ ઇમારત, પાર્કિંગની જગ્યા, સબસ્ટેશન અને વોટર ટાવર સહિત સંખ્યાબંધ સુવિધાઓ ઉભી કરવામાં આવી છે.
રો–પેક્સ ફેરી વહાણ 'વોયેજ સિમ્ફની' DWT 2500-2700 MT સાથેનું ત્રણ ડેક વહાણ છે જેમાં 12000થી 15000 GT વહન ક્ષમતા છે. તેની લોડિંગ ક્ષમતા મુખ્ય ડેકમાં 30 ટ્રક (પ્રત્યેક ટ્રક 50 MTની), ઉપરના ડેકમાં 100 મુસાફર કારો અને પેસેન્જર ડેકમાં 500 મુસાફરો તેમજ 34 ક્રૂ અને આતિથ્ય સ્ટાફની છે.
હજીરા– ઘોઘા રો–પેક્સ ફેરી સેવા શરૂ થવાથી લોકોને સંખ્યાબંધ લાભો થશે. તે દક્ષિણ ગુજરાત અને સૌરાષ્ટ્ર પ્રદેશના પ્રવેશ દ્વાર તરીકે કામ કરશે. આનાથી ઘોઘા અને હજીરા વચ્ચેનું અંતર 370 કિમીથી ઘટીને ફક્ત 90 કિમી થઇ જશે. માલસામાનની હેરફેર માટે મુસાફરીમાં 10થી 12 કલાકનો સમય લાગે છે જે ઘટીને માત્ર 4 કલાક થઇ જશે જેથી મોટા પાયે ઇંધણની બચત (અંદાજે 9000 લીટર દરરોજ) થઇ શકશે અને વાહનોના જાળવણી ખર્ચમાં પણ ઘરખમ ઘટાડો થશે. આ ફેરી સેવા દરરોજ હજીરાથી ઘોઘા રૂટ પર ત્રણ રાઉન્ડ ટ્રીપ કરશે જેનાથી દર વર્ષે અંદાજે 5 લાખ મુસાફરો, 80,000 મુસાફર વાહનો, 50,000 ટુ–વ્હિલર અને 30,000 ટ્રકોની આવનજાવન શક્ય બનશે. આનાથી ટ્રક ડ્રાઇવરોને ડ્રાઇવિંગના કારણે લાગતા થાકમાં ઘટાડો થશે અને તેમને વધારાના ફેરા માટે તકો મળવાથી એકંદરે તેમની આવકમાં પણ વૃદ્ધિ થશે. આનાથી દરરોજ અંદાજે 24 MT કાર્બન ડાયોક્સાઇડનું ઉત્સર્જન ઘટશે અને વર્ષે લગભગ 8653 MT કાર્બન ડાયોક્સાઇડનું હવામાં થતું ઉત્સર્જન ઘટાડી શકાશે. આ ફેરી સેવાના કારણે સૌરાષ્ટ્ર પ્રદેશમાં સરળતાથી પહોંચી શકાશે જેથી પર્યટન ઉદ્યોગને પણ ઘણો વેગ મળશે અને તેનાથી નવી નોકરીની તકોનું સર્જન થશે. ફેરી સેવાઓના પ્રારંભ સાથે, સૌરાષ્ટ્ર અને કચ્છ પ્રદેશમાં બંદર ક્ષેત્ર, ફર્નિચર અને ખાતર ઉદ્યોગને ખૂબ જ મોટો વેગ મળશે. ગુજરાતમાં ખાસ કરીને પોરબંદર, સોમનાથ, દ્વારકા અને પાલીતાણામાં ઇકો–ટુરિઝમ અને ધાર્મિક પર્યટનમાં પ્રચંડ વૃદ્ધિ થશે. આ ફેરી સેવાના કારણે કનેક્ટિવિટીમાં વધારો થવાથી ગીરમાં આવેલા પ્રખ્યાત એશિયાટિક સિંહ વન્યજીવ અભયારણ્યમાં પર્યટકોની આવકમાં પણ મોટી સંખ્યામાં વધારો થશે.
PM Modi's Global Diplomacy: Strengthening India's Partnerships Across Continents
December 31, 2024
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In recent years, PM Modi has significantly strengthened India's global partnerships through a series of impactful bilateral visits across continents. These visits have been crucial in advancing India’s foreign policy, enhancing strategic cooperation, and promoting economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties with key nations worldwide. From the Gulf to Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, PM Modi’s diplomatic outreach is a symbol to India’s growing global presence under his leadership.
United Arab Emirates: Strengthening Ties with the Gulf
PM Modi’s visit to the UAE marked his 7th trip in nine years, reflecting the deepening relationship between India and the Gulf nation. During the visit, PM Modi addressed the Indian diaspora at the AHLAN MODI event, a vibrant celebration of the strong cultural and historical ties between the two nations.
PM Modi at the AHLAN MODI Event in the UAE
The visit also marked a milestone with the inauguration of the first Hindu temple in the UAE — the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Abu Dhabi. This temple is a symbol of India’s cultural diplomacy and the growing acceptance of India’s diversity in the Gulf region. The visit reinforced the UAE’s role as a key partner in India’s energy and economic growth, as well as the growing importance of the Indian expatriate community.
Qatar: Renewed Bilateral Cooperation
PM Modi’s visit to Qatar infused “new vigour” into the already robust bilateral ties between India and the Gulf nation. This visit was particularly significant, as Qatar released eight former Indian Navy personnel who had been detained on charges of espionage, a gesture that reflected Qatar's commitment to strengthening ties with India. The visit helped bolster economic cooperation, particularly in sectors like energy, trade, and infrastructure.
PM Modi in Qatar with his counterparts
Additionally, Qatar's investment in India's growing economy was emphasized, opening avenues for enhanced collaboration in the future.
Bhutan: Strengthening Regional Partnerships
A significant aspect of PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan was the inauguration of a state-of-the-art hospital in Thimphu, constructed with Indian assistance.
PM Modi at the inauguration of a state-of-the-art hospital in Thimphu
This move symbolized India’s continued support for Bhutan’s development, enhancing bilateral ties and ensuring India’s strategic influence in the region. Bhutan is an important partner in India's “Neighbourhood First” policy, and this visit further cemented the shared values of peace, stability, and progress between the two nations.
Austria: A Historic Milestone
PM Modi’s visit to Austria in 2024 was groundbreaking, as it marked the first trip by an Indian PM to the country in 41 years. This visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Austria. The visit focused on strengthening trade, technology, and cultural ties. Austria’s expertise in renewable energy, engineering, and research was highlighted as a potential area for collaboration.
PM Modi interacted with CEOs in Austria
The visit underscored India’s growing importance in European diplomatic circles and Austria’s role as a partner in India’s development trajectory.
Russia: Reaffirming Strategic Partnerships
In his visit to Russia for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit, PM Modi and President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed the longstanding strategic partnership between the two nations.
PM Modi in Russia for the 16th BRICS Summit
The summit emphasized mutual cooperation in defence, energy, and technology. Russia’s support for India’s defence requirements, including the supply of critical military equipment, continued to be a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. Moreover, both nations agreed to further enhance energy cooperation, particularly in the oil and natural gas sectors, which are crucial for India’s energy security.
Poland: Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
PM Modi’s visit to Poland in 2024 was historic, marking the first trip by an Indian PM in 45 years. The visit coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the visit, both India and Poland elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership.
PM Modi Honoured the Fallen Heroes in Poland
Discussions centred around defence cooperation, scientific collaboration, and greater engagement in trade and investment. Poland’s support for India’s entry into global institutions such as the UN Security Council was also a significant aspect of the visit.
Ukraine: Diplomatic Engagement Amid Conflict
PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine was particularly noteworthy, coming at a time when military actions had been suspended by both warring sides. The visit demonstrated India’s commitment to global peace and its willingness to offer humanitarian and technological assistance for post-war reconstruction.
PM Modi delivered humanitarian aid to Ukrainian President
The PM assured Ukraine of India’s support in rebuilding its war-torn infrastructure, reflecting India’s role as a peace-broker in global conflicts. The visit also highlighted India’s position on non-interference and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Brunei: A Milestone in India’s 'Act East' Policy
PM Modi’s visit to Brunei marked the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation. The visit coincided with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Brunei. Brunei is a key partner in India’s “Act East” policy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
PM Modi’s visit to Brunei was the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM
The visit focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, energy, and maritime security. Brunei’s strategic location and its importance in regional security made this visit a crucial step in strengthening India’s relationships with Southeast Asian nations.
Singapore: Strengthening Strategic Partnership
PM Modi’s visit to Singapore emphasized the strengthening of India’s strategic partnership with the island nation, particularly in advanced manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable development. The visit facilitated the growth of synergies between the semiconductor ecosystems of India and Singapore. Both nations explored opportunities to collaborate in research, innovation, and green technologies, which are essential for India’s future economic growth.
PM Modi at the Roundtable with Business Leaders in Singapore
Singapore’s role as a financial hub and a gateway to Southeast Asia made this visit critical for India’s long-term economic ambitions.
Guyana: Reaching Out to the Indian Diaspora
PM Modi’s visit to Guyana was historic as it marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years. The visit was significant for its emphasis on strengthening ties with the Indian diaspora, which has had a deep historical connection with Guyana for over 185 years. During the visit, PM Modi held discussions on giving strategic direction to the India-Guyana relationship, focusing on trade, technology, and infrastructure development.
PM Modi at the 2nd Caricom- India Summit in Guyana
The Prime Minister paid homage to the contributions of the Indian diaspora, underscoring their role in bridging cultural and economic ties between India and Guyana.
Nigeria: Strengthening African Partnerships
PM Modi’s visit to Nigeria in November 2024 was the first by an Indian PM to the West African nation in decades. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening India’s partnership with Nigeria, which is one of the most populous and influential countries in Africa. The visit focused on strategic cooperation, particularly in energy, trade, and security. India and Nigeria agreed to work closely on areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The visit also underscored the importance of democratic values and pluralism, shared by both nations.
PM Modi interacted with the Indian Diaspora in Nigeria
Kuwait: Enhancing Economic and Cultural Cooperation
PM Modi’s visit to Kuwait was especially significant as it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Gulf nation in 43 years. The visit focused on enhancing economic relations and cultural exchanges. Kuwait, with its strategic location in the Gulf, plays a pivotal role in India’s energy security and economic interests.
PM Modi at the Hala Modi Event in Kuwait
The visit aimed at bolstering collaboration in trade, energy, and investment, reinforcing the historical ties between the two nations. It was also an opportunity to connect with the large Indian diaspora in Kuwait, a key contributor to both the Gulf nation’s economy and the bilateral relationship.
A Global Leader in Diplomacy and Strategic Partnerships
PM Modi’s series of impactful bilateral visits across continents has significantly elevated India’s diplomatic standing and global influence. His efforts have not only strengthened traditional alliances but also fostered new strategic partnerships, positioning India as a key player in global affairs. Through his leadership, India has championed multilateral cooperation, sustainable development, and peaceful conflict resolution, ensuring its active participation in shaping the future of the world. These diplomatic engagements reflect India’s growing prominence on the global stage, laying the foundation for a prosperous and interconnected future.
