India's GDP will touch 8.5 per cent: Gadkari

"Our government is pursuing pro-development policies. I am sure these policies being pursued by the government will take up India's GDP growth to 8.5 per cent in the next couple of years," the Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, told reporters here.

Gadkari on Sunday gave a go ahead for the redevelopment project of Sassoon dock drawn up by the Mumbai Port Trust here.

"Our government is committed to creating a good water transport infrastructure in the country to promote both sea shipping and inland water transport, to save cost and create job opportunities. My ministry will pro-actively accord approvals for port related projects in the country," he said.

As part of the redevelopment of the Sassoon dock, the old dock will be used for outfitting of fishing boats and providing services like fuel, fresh water and ice for fishing boats, while the new dock will be limited to fishing activities.

The redevelopment project is estimated to cost Rs 25.50 crore and envisages construction of a dormitory, rest rooms, restaurant and a radio communication tower.

There is also a proposal to set up Marine Food Park, sea food restaurant and an art gallery on the Sassoon Dock premises at a later stage.

Earlier, the Mumbai Fishermen Association submitted a memorandum to Gadkari demanding subsidy on diesel used in fishing vessels. They also sought subsidy on fishing implements, on the lines of subsidy extended to agricultural implements.