The Minister of Shipping, G.K. Vasan informed the Lok Sabha that as per the National Maritime Agenda (NMA), Government of India plans to commission at least 4 hub-ports, two each on the east coast viz. Chennai Port and Visakhapatnam Port and the west coast viz. Jawaharlal Nehru Port and Cochin Port to receive the 13,500 + TEU (twenty-feet equivalent units) Containerships.

The Minister further stated that Private investment under PPP has been envisaged during 2010-20 under NMA. Out of the total amount of Rs.1,09,449.41 crores investment envisaged for the Major Ports during the said period in the NMA, Rs.72,878.16 crores is earmarked from the private sector for the port development activities/projects like construction of berths, procurement of equipment, road rail connectivity and other related projects.

Source: PIB