Even as the ministry was unable to award a single port project in fiscal 2008-09, it has met some success and announced the award of the development of iron ore terminal at Paradip to a consortium of Hong Kong based Noble Group, Gammon Infrastructure Projects and MMTC, with an estimated investment of Rs 500 crore.

The ministry is also considering a proposal to declare Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep as major ports after seeking Cabinet approval. In fact, the ministry plans to acquire 400 passenger ships for Lakshadweep administration and 500 passenger ships for Andaman and Nicobar administration.

The other key initiatives that are part of the 100-agenda include the acquisition of three trailer suction hopper dredgers for the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) at an estimated investment of Rs 1,570 crore. The ministry has also set up a committee to give recommendations on revised policy guidelines to enhance port efficiency.