Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has reiterated India’s ambitious goal of establishing itself as a leading maritime powerhouse. In his address at an Infrastructure Conclave, held in New Delhi, Sonowal detailed the government’s comprehensive roadmap for revolutionising port infrastructure, strengthening inland waterways and modernising logistics to global standards.
Highlighting the crucial role of the maritime sector, Sonowal noted that over 95 per cent of India’s export-import cargo by volume and 70 per cent by value is handled through ports. He emphasised that transformative initiatives undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have ushered in an era of modernisation, efficiency and sustainable growth in the maritime domain.
Sonowal highlighted the Sagarmala Programme, which has identified over 850 projects worth Rs 5.8 lakh crore to bolster port infrastructure, enhance connectivity and promote coastal community development. These projects include port modernisation, industrial clusters near ports, improved rail-road connectivity and the development of coastal economic zones, all aimed at fostering seamless trade and economic expansion. The initiative is designed to reduce logistics costs, increase efficiency and position India as a maritime powerhouse in global shipping.
Sonowal further detailed how the programme is catalysing economic growth by creating employment opportunities for coastal communities and enhancing the efficiency of cargo movement. With over 50 per cent of these projects already completed, India’s maritime sector is witnessing unprecedented growth in capacity enhancement and logistics streamlining.
The minister emphasised on the growing role of private investment in port development, citing the government’s commitment to a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He detailed how the Rs 25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund is strategically designed to foster an ecosystem that attracts private players, enhances efficiency and accelerates infrastructure development. With 49 per cent government participation and the remainder sourced from major ports and private investors, the initiative aims to modernise existing port operations and develop new maritime hubs.
Sonowal elaborated on how private sector participation has led to significant improvements in the aviation sector and is now expected to revolutionise port management. “Just as private players have transformed airports, we are encouraging greater private sector involvement in ports by ensuring a business-friendly environment, easing regulatory processes and offering incentives for investment,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about inland water transport, Sonowal outlined ambitious plans to integrate major rivers, including the Brahmaputra and Ganga, into a unified transport network. He said developing inland waterways is not just about enhancing logistics but also about fostering economic growth, connecting remote regions and creating employment opportunities.
He assured that dredging activities, jetty construction and ship repair facilities at Pandu in Assam were advancing rapidly to facilitate seamless cargo and passenger movement. Sonowal highlighted that multiple multi-modal terminals were being developed along key river routes, enabling smooth transition between waterways, railways and road transport systems.
Sonowal also addressed concerns over China’s proposed dam on the Brahmaputra, stating that the matter was being handled at the diplomatic level even as the government continued to explore measures to secure India’s water resources and maintain navigability of key waterways.
Sonowal announced the construction of two mega portsâWadhawan in Maharashtra and Galathea Bay in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with investments of Rs 76,000 crore and Rs 49,000 crore, respectively. These projects are set to revolutionise India’s maritime trade, bolstering its position as a key player in global logistics and supply chains.
Sonowal emphasised on the integration of digital technology and AI-driven logistics to enhance operational efficiency and security at ports. He elaborated on the deployment of advanced AI-based predictive analytics to streamline cargo handling, automated cranes to improve loading and unloading times, and blockchain solutions for transparent documentation. These measures have significantly reduced turnaround times for cargo vessels, from 48 hours to just 20 hours, ensuring faster and cost-effective trade operations.
As India charts its course towards maritime dominance, Sonowal’s address at the India Today Infrastructure Conclave highlighted a clear, ambitious and well-structured roadmap, making it evident that the nation’s shipping and waterways sector is headed for a transformative future.
