Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Shipping and Transport said that the government has set a target to increase waterways transportation from 3.5 per cent to 15 per cent by this year. He was speaking in a conference on Coastal Shipping and Inland Waterways organised in Mumbai today. Quoting water transportation in other countries, he said that China has 47-49 per cent waterways transportation whereas Korea has 43-44 per cent , European countries have 40 per cent. He also said that government has zero tolerance policy in corruption.<br/><br/>While asserting that port development is a must to boost GDP, Mr Gadkari announced that three major ports will soon be started. The one is Wadhavan port in Maharashtra and two other are Kolachal and Sagar port in Kerala. Around Rs 18 to Rs 20 crore will be invested in these ports. He further said that tenders for the same will be invited in March and from late April everything work will be started. Gadkari also announced 40 percent subsidy for development of ports and other infrastructure for inland river waterways through which employment for around 50 lakh is expected to be generated across the country.