The Maharashtra government has drawn up a Rs 20,000-crore plan to develop its 720-km coastline, the state Ports Minister, Mr Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, announced here.
According to Exim News Service, the development plan will be soon presented to the state Cabinet.
The Vision Document envisages developing 58 commercial ports, jetties and shipyards on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis.
At present, all ships have to go to Gujarat for repairs and maintenance because Maharashtra does not have any such facilities.
The plan is to develop 26 shipyards to attract commerce, explained an official from the Ports Department.
In addition to the commercial exploitation of ports, the Ministry also plans to set up a marina and a waterfront complex.
Experts will study if and how the waterfront can be utilised commercially, check the feasibility of water transport and how it can also be developed as a tourist destination.