Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane Discusses ADB Funding For Key Fisheries And Port Projects, Including Mumbai Water Metro

Several important projects are currently being undertaken in Maharashtra by the Fisheries and Ports Department. In a move to secure funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for these initiatives, Minister Nitesh Rane held discussions with ADB officials at the Ministry on Monday.

Participating via video conferencing were ADB Country Director Mio Oka, Deputy Country Director Arti Mehra, Urban Development Expert Sanjay Joshi, and Project Officer Bhavesh Kumar. Pritesh Bafna, advisor to the 'Uday' initiative, was also present.

Key topics discussed during the meeting included:

• Development of the Tarapore Fish Market in Mumbai

• Implementation of the Mumbai Water Metro project

• Construction of new ports by the Maharashtra Maritime Board

• Maintenance, repair, and management of existing ports

ADB officials responded positively to the proposed public-benefit and development-oriented projects. They also provided detailed information regarding sovereign and non-sovereign funding options.

Following this preliminary meeting, it was decided that a detailed study of the projects and their funding requirements would be undertaken, after which a formal proposal would be resubmitted to ADB.

This interaction has laid the groundwork for securing crucial financial support for several flagship projects under the Fisheries and Ports Department. It also strengthens the financial foundation for major initiatives envisioned by Minister Rane.