Ports to anchor India’s $30 trillion economy vision by 2047, says Union Minister
Maritime News, Mangalore, Karnataka, India : Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday inaugurated eight new maritime infrastructure projects under the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), marking a fresh phase of expansion for India’s western coast maritime ecosystem.
Speaking at the curtain-raiser event held at Bharat Mandapam, Sonowal said that India’s ports would serve as “critical anchors” in the country’s ambition to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Eight New Projects to Strengthen NMPA Infrastructure
The new initiatives, launched under the Sagarmala Programme, aim to improve the port’s logistics capacity, multimodal connectivity, and user experience.
Key projects include:
- Two covered storage sheds with 14,000 MT capacity,
- A dedicated international cruise gate,
- RFID-enabled cargo gate automation,
- Expansion of truck parking terminals with smart surveillance,
- Construction of PQC roads with modern drainage,
- A new truck parking terminal at Baikampady (for up to 200 trucks),
- A 150-bed multi-speciality hospital under the PPP model with an investment of ₹107 crore, and
- A dedicated digital medical app for port beneficiaries.
In addition, the minister unveiled a commemorative postal stamp, special coin, and the official Golden Jubilee Anthem of the New Mangalore Port Authority.
Ports at the Core of Maritime Vision 2047
Sonowal said that ports are the nerve centres of India’s growing global trade and are undergoing a transformation to match international standards.
“As we move toward Viksit Bharat 2047, our ports will be the foundation of India’s $30 trillion economic vision. But growth must go hand in hand with sustainability,” Sonowal said.
“The economy should not grow at the cost of ecology. NMPA’s adoption of green initiatives sets an example for all major ports,” he added.
Under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the government plans to channel investments worth ₹80 lakh crore into port modernisation, green shipping, and coastal logistics, creating an estimated millions of direct and indirect jobs.
Sagarmala: 840 Projects, ₹5.8 Lakh Crore in Progress
According to the Ministry, India’s flagship Sagarmala Programme is implementing 840 maritime infrastructure projects worth ₹5.8 lakh crore by 2035.
Of these, 272 projects worth ₹1.41 lakh crore have been completed, while 217 projects worth ₹1.65 lakh crore are under progress.
The programme seeks to enhance coastal connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and transform ports into smart, sustainable, and technology-driven hubs aligned with global standards.
Green and Smart Port Initiatives
The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts under the Harit Sagar Guidelines, Green Tug Transition Programme, Harit Nauka Scheme, and Green Shipping Corridors — all aimed at shifting India’s ports toward clean fuels, electric propulsion, and decarbonised logistics chains.
NMPA, which began operations in 1975, now handles over 46 million tonnes of cargo annually, with a total capacity exceeding 104 million tonnes per annum. A deep-draft general cargo berth is also under construction to further boost capacity.
Golden Jubilee: Symbol of Maritime Progress
Describing NMPA as “a cornerstone of India’s western maritime trade,” Sonowal said the port’s growth trajectory mirrors India’s own economic transformation.
From handling a few thousand tonnes in the 1970s to becoming a regional trade hub connecting India’s west coast to Africa and the Middle East, NMPA’s five-decade journey stands as a testament to the success of India’s port-led development policy.
Senior officials, including R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (Ports), and Dr. Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, Chairman, NMPA, attended the event alongside dignitaries from the maritime and logistics sectors.
Editorial Viewpoint
While the government’s focus on mega port modernisation under Sagarmala has driven rapid growth, industry observers have pointed out that support for smaller shipyards, coastal ports, and hinterland logistics players remains limited.
Experts suggest that balanced investment between major and non-major ports will be key to achieving equitable and sustainable maritime development.
