India’s maritime sector is witnessing a transformative phase, with ambitious plans laid out by the government to elevate the nation’s port infrastructure and container handling capacity. In a press conference held today, the Sarbananda Sonowal the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways highlighted the significant milestones achieved within the first 100 days of the government’s tenure. The conference was graced by the presence of T K Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Vijay Kumar, IAS-Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWA), Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary, MoPSW, Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), P.L.Haranadh, IRTS, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority, Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State, MoPSW, Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Spokesperson, Government of India & Principal Director General of Press Information Bureau, Government of India and was attended by the accredited Journalists.
The event underscored key initiatives set to double India’s container handling capacity and create millions of job opportunities in the coming years. Highlighting JNPA’s Milestone: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is set to become the first Indian port to reach a container handling capacity of 10 million TEUs in the coming months, further solidifying India’s global standing in maritime trade.
Doubling Container Handling Capacity and Job Creation
The government has charted a strategic roadmap to expand the nation’s container handling capacity from the current 20 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 40 million TEUs over the next five years. This ambitious initiative is expected to generate over 2 million jobs across India, significantly boosting the economy and positioning the country as a key player in global trade.
Development of Two Major Ports
A cornerstone of this transformation is the development of two major ports — Vadhavan Port and Galathea Bay. Vadhavan Port, located in Maharashtra, is set to become one of India’s largest deep-sea ports, with an impressive capacity of 300 million metric tonnes per annum. Similarly, Galathea Bay, located at Great Nicobar Island, has been designated as a major transshipment hub, further enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. The addition of these two ports will bring the total number of major ports in India to over 14, reinforcing the country’s infrastructure backbone.
Milestone Achievements and Flagship Projects
The press conference also focused on the remarkable progress of flagship projects that aim to modernize India’s maritime infrastructure. Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, emphasized the government’s resolve to boost port efficiency, ease of doing business, and sustainability. He praised the government’s “Transformation through Transportation” mantra, which has catalyzed massive investments and project rollouts across the sector.
Among these is the foundation of Vadhavan Port, India’s first major port project in the 21st century. Once operational, this port will not only handle a massive throughput but also create 1.2 million jobs, elevating India’s status in global shipping and reducing transit times.
In addition, the Tuticorin International Container Terminal on the East Coast is being developed as a major transshipment hub. The terminal, expected to save up to USD 200 per container, is estimated to generate annual foreign exchange savings of USD 4 million.
Strengthening Shipbuilding and Green Initiatives
Recognizing the vital role of shipbuilding and repair in the maritime ecosystem, the Ministry is working on establishing shipbuilding and repair clusters in five states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The aim is to foster innovation, reduce operational costs, and develop India into a shipbuilding hub in the region.
India is also making strides towards embracing sustainability within the maritime sector. The government has allocated 3,900 acres of land at Kandla and VOC Port for the development of Hydrogen Manufacturing Hubs, positioning the country as a leader in green hydrogen energy. This initiative is expected to attract investments of over Rs. 5 Lakh Crores in the coming years.
Key Initiatives and Reforms
Sonowal outlined several flagship projects under Maritime India Vision 2030, including the Sagarmanthan: The Great Ocean Conference, scheduled for November 2024, which will focus on ocean sustainability and the blue economy.
Ease of Doing Business:
Ease of doing business reforms have also been prioritized, with the establishment of the Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) for operational synergy, and the Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) for efficient dispute resolution.
A Modernized Fleet and Infrastructure: India’s pursuit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat continues, with over Rs. 4,000 crores worth of Indian-built ICG ships in progress.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Projects and Policies
The government has laid out several key projects that will propel India’s maritime future. The International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island, will serve as a major hub for transshipment, positioning India as a critical player in global logistics. Meanwhile, digitalization efforts like the EBS Portal (Port Operating System), set to go live at five major ports, will streamline operations and reduce logistics costs, further enhancing port efficiency.
Furthermore, legislative measures such as the Merchant Shipping Bill and the Coastal Shipping Bill are being finalized to align with global best practices for vessel safety, pollution control, and maritime dispute resolution. These efforts aim to reduce shipping costs, foster a competitive environment, and boost the use of inland waterways for freight transportation.
Towards a Maritime Powerhouse
Sonowal’s address highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to making India a global maritime powerhouse. With the introduction of new ports, a focus on sustainability, and significant capacity enhancements, the country is on track to become a key player in the global shipping arena. By doubling container handling capacity and creating millions of jobs, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is leading India toward an era of maritime growth, innovation, and self-reliance.
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