Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), made his maiden visit to Paradip Port Authority (PPA). During his visit he inaugurated and laid foundation stone of several significant projects worth more than Rs. 13 crores.

He inaugurated the Trauma and Burn Care (TBC) Centre in the newly constructed Annex building of Paradip Port Hospital. Constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.90 Crores, the centre will provide curative and rehabilitative services for trauma and burn victims in and around Paradip.

Secretary, Shri Ramachandran laid the foundation stone for the Water Treatment Plant of PPA. The project, being constructed at a cost of Rs. 10.50 Crores, will receive raw water through Taldanda Canal and will have the capacity to filter 16 million litres of water per day. The plant is expected to be completed by December 2024, enhancing the water infrastructure of Paradip Port and supplying quality drinking water to the citizens of Port Township.

Shri Ramachandran reviewed the functioning of the PPA and interacted with Heads of Departments and Deputy Heads of Departments. He also inspected and reviewed port operations, planning, and expansion at the Mechanized Coal Handling Plant, Twin Wagon Tipplers at JSWPTPL, and KICT silos. He suggested system improvement measures to increase productivity.

The Secretary suggested several measures aimed at improving the overall performance of the port operations. These recommendations are expected to enhance the capacity and streamline the workflow, contributing to Paradip Port’s long-term growth and success.

It is to be noted that, the Paradip Port in Odisha is the highest cargo handling major port of the country. In the financial year 2023-24 PPA became highest cargo handling port by handling 145.38 million metric tonnes (MMT) cargo throughput.

The goal under Vision 2047 is to increase the port handling capacity to 10,000 MTPA. Contours of the plan will soon be spelled out. There will be avenues for private participation that are being worked upon. All ports are preparing a master plan in order to become mega ports by 2047. Improving port infrastructure and facilities, reducing turnaround time, and increasing handling capacity will be the bedrock of the 2047 target.

The latest goal is well above the targets set under the ongoing Sagarmala programme that aims boosting port capacity by 800 MMTPA to an overall 3,500 MMTPA by 2035.

As a part of Sagarmala programme, more than 800 projects at an estimated cost of Rs 5.5 lakh crore have been identified for implementation during 2015-2035. In a nearer goal, the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 has a goal to develop global standard ports in India. The MIV 2030 estimates investments to the tune of Rs 1-1.25 lakh crore for capacity augmentation and infrastructure development at Indian ports.

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 The 74th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under PM GatiShakti was convened in New Delhi yesterday under the chairpersonship of Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur. The meeting focused on evaluating five significant infrastructure projects from the Ministry of Railways (MoR), Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). These projects were assessed for their alignment with the principles of integrated planning outlined in the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP).

Balaram – Tentuloi New Railway Line (MCRL Phase II) in Odisha

This greenfield project involves the construction of a 49.58 km rail line at an estimated cost of INR 1,404 Crores in Angul district to provide vital first-mile rail connectivity for 11 coal blocks. It aims to reduce logistics costs for industries and generate employment, thus contributing to regional development. The project is expected to significantly enhance the transport efficiency of coal, benefiting both the local economy and the broader industrial landscape of the state of Odisha.

Budhapank – Luburi New Railway Line (MCRL Outer Corridor) in Odisha

Spanning 106 kilometres, this greenfield rail line at an estimated project cost of INR 3,478 Crores will support efficient coal evacuation from the Mahanadi River Basin. The proposed alignment facilitates the transportation of coal from Talcher Coal Fields, providing first-mile rail connectivity to 21 coal blocks reducing the average distance to rail head from 43 km to 4.2 km enhancing logistical efficiency and reducing costs for core industries like iron and steel.

Lucknow Metro Rail Project Phase I-B East – West Corridor (Charbagh to Vasant Kunj) in Uttar Pradesh

This project involves extending the Lucknow Metro corridor by 11.165 kilometres to address the city’s growing transportation needs. While the existing metro line caters to 80,000 passengers per day (PPD), this additional new line is expected to cater to an additional 200,000 PPD. This proposed new corridor will serve the city’s most densely settled central business districts (CBDs), including Aminabad, Alambagh, Faizabad and Charbagh area. The stations are proposed to be strategically located to seamlessly connect points of interchange through foot overbridges (FoBs) and underpasses. The project is expected to cost INR 5,801 Crores and aims to reduce congestion, vehicular pollution, and enhance public transport accessibility through an integrated network. The development plan emphasizes the use of renewable energy through rooftop installations to reduce conventional energy consumption.

Upgradation of existing 6 Lane Road including elevated corridor of NH-47 (Narol Jn. to Sarkhej Jn.) in Gujarat

This brownfield project involves upgrading a 10.63 km section of NH-47 at an estimated cost of INR 1,295 Crores to address increasing traffic congestion in the southern part of Ahmedabad connecting to major highways and expressways. The project aims to enhance smooth and safe traffic flow, thus improving service levels. Upgrading this critical segment of NH-47 is expected to facilitate more efficient movement of goods and people, contributing to the economic vitality of the region.

4-laning of Section of NH-166 from Chokak to Sangli (Ankali) in Maharashtra

This project involves the four-laning of a 33.6 km section of NH-166, enhancing connectivity between key regions i.e., between Kolhapur & Sangli in the state of Maharashtra, at an estimated cost of INR 864 Crores. This development will reduce the travel time by 50% and the distance by about 5.4 km. This will also have a significant impact on environmental attributes. The improvement of this road will save fuel and time as well as help in controlling the pollution measures due to emission of smoke from vehicles.

Network Planning Group (NPG) evaluated all the projects from the perspective of principles of PM GatiShakti i.e., integrated development of multimodal infrastructure development, last mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, intermodal connectivity and possible synchronized implementation of the projects. These projects are expected to play pivotal roles for nation-building, integrating various modes of transport, and providing substantial socio-economic benefits and ease of living, thereby contributing to the overall development of the regions.

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 Public art spaces of India are a reflection of our Lok Kala and Lok Sanskriti. When we talk about Public Art, it is very dynamic and is an intersection of past, present, and future. Through it, we can see the amalgamation of different ideas in various art forms like traditional and contemporary. This art form which is freely accessible to the public; attracts not only attention but even thoughts begin to gather as to why this work of art is here, what is its uniqueness, what material it is made up of, and what is the thought of the artist behind this artwork. Making it open to various interesting interpretations. These are the few aspects that make this art very special. It connects the public to the art.

With rapid urbanization, Public Art enhances a sense of distinctiveness and adds aesthetic value to the image of a city. It contributes to the visual quality of the public arena encouraging community pride with a sense of belonging. It uplifts and engages visitors or passers-by’s travel experience by leaving an imprint in their minds. The outreach of Public Art is immense and thought-provoking. It acts as a significant factor in giving visual recognition to a specific place. The public art augments and induces meaning to a public space making it an integral part of the culture and society.

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, on the occasion of the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee Meeting, which is being held in New Delhi from 21st-31st July 2024, has initiated Project PARI (Public Art of India). Under it, Lalit Kala Akademi, an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, has invited more than 150 visual artists from all over the country. The Project PARI aims to provide a platform to uplift the aesthetic and cultural outlook of Delhi while adding grandeur to the rich historical legacy of our national capital.

Lalit Kala Akademi and the National Gallery of Modern Art seek to bring forth public art that draws inspiration from millennia of artistic heritage (lok kala/lok sanskriti) while incorporating modern themes and techniques. These expressions underscore the intrinsic value that art holds in Indian society, serving as a testament to the nation’s enduring commitment to creativity and artistic expression. These artists are working on various sites in the national capital for the beautification of the public spaces for the upcoming event.

The representation of Art in public spaces is particularly significant as it showcases the nation’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. The democratization of art through public installations transforms urban landscapes into accessible galleries, where art transcends the confines of traditional venues such as museums and galleries. By integrating art into streets, parks, and transit hubs, these initiatives ensure that artistic experiences are available to one and all. This inclusive approach fosters a shared cultural identity and enhances social cohesion, inviting citizens to engage with art in their day-to-day life. Project PARI aims to stimulate dialogue, reflection, and inspiration, contributing to the dynamic cultural fabric of the nation.

Traditional art forms as well as sculptures, murals, and installations have been created under this beautification project. More than 150 visual artists from all over the country have come together to create the various wall paintings, murals, sculptures, and installations being prepared under this project. The creative canvas includes but is not limited to artwork inspired by and /or drawn in styles of Phad paintings (Rajasthan), Thangka painting (Sikkim/Ladakh), miniature painting (Himachal Pradesh), Gond art (Madhya Pradesh), Tanjore paintings (Tamil Nadu), Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh), Alpona art (West Bengal), Cheriyal painting (Telangana), Pichhwai Painting (Rajasthan), Lanjia Saura (Odisha), Pattachitra (West Bengal), Bani Thani Painting (Rajasthan), Warli (Maharashtra), Pithora Art (Gujarat), Aipan (Uttarakhand), Kerala Murals (Kerala), Alpana art (Tripura) and more.

The proposed sculptures being created for Project PARI include wide-ranging ideas such as paying tributes to nature, ideas inspired by the Natyashastra, Gandhi ji, toys of India, hospitality, ancient knowledge, Naad or Primeval Soun, Harmony of life, Kalpataru – the divine tree, etc.

Furthermore, in sync with the proposed 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting, some of the artworks and sculptures draw inspiration from World Heritage Sites such as Bimbetka and the 7 natural World Heritage Sites in India find a special place in the proposed artworks.

Women artists have been an integral part of Project PARI and their participation in large numbers is a testimony of Bharat’s NARI SHAKTI.

Project PARI stands as a monumental effort to infuse Delhi with the rich and diverse artistic heritage of India, while simultaneously embracing contemporary themes and expressions. As the city prepares to host the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, the initiative not only beautifies public spaces but also democratizes art, making it accessible to all. This cultural renaissance, brought to life by the collaborative efforts of over 150 visual artists, showcases the profound and multifaceted traditions of Indian art. By engaging citizens and fostering a shared cultural identity, the initiative not only enriches the urban landscape but also inspires a deeper connection with our heritage.

Come and join the celebrations. Click your selfie with a Project PARI creation and share your pictures on social media with #ProjectPARI.

References

· https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031268 .

· https://lalitkala.gov.in/pariproject

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