India, Sept. 15 -- Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday asked officials to develop a comprehensive database of vacant land at major ports, so that adequate land is available for future expansion needs without constraint, according to an official statement.

The statement said Sonowal reviewed key reforms and ongoing projects of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and took stock of ongoing reforms and major infrastructure projects.

He also underlined the importance of creating awareness among people about the on-ground impact of reforms, particularly for coastal communities dependent on fishing and allied economic activities, as well as for riverine communities along the banks of major waterways, which have been benefit...