The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal launched a series of major initiatives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) aimed at modernising India’s maritime infrastructure, strengthening its global trade presence, and promoting sustainability.
These initiatives were launched during a stakeholders meeting to discuss various possibilities from the major announcements made in the Union Budget for the Maritime sector. Process (ONOP)“ initiative to standardise and streamline operations across India’s major ports. This step aims at removing inconsistencies in documentation and processes that led to inefficiencies, increased costs, and operational delays.
Sarbananda Sonowal also launched Sagar Ankalan — the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2023-24, as a significant step towards enhancing efficiency and global competitiveness in India’s maritime sector.
Sarbananda Sonowal also launched Bharat Global Ports Consortium to Strengthen Global Trade by expanding India’s maritime reach and enhancing global trade resilience. The Union Minister also launched MAITRI logo (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface) with an aim to streamline trade processes, reduce bureaucratic redundancies and expedite clearances, reinforcing India’s commitment to ease of doing business.
As Ports serve as critical gateways for international and domestic trade, this initiative aims to harmonise port procedures to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen India’s global trade position. As a first step through the ONOP process, the Ministry has standardised documentation with Immigration, the Port Health Organization, and Port Authorities, reducing container operation documents by 33% (from 143 to 96) and bulk cargo documents by 29% (from 150 to 106). These reforms mark a significant step towards Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, ensuring transparency, consistency, and optimized port management. The Minister called for active stakeholder participation to maximise its impact and drive India’s ports towards operational excellence on the global stage.
MAITRI plays a crucial role in operationalising the ‘Virtual Trade Corridor’(VTC) between India and the UAE. The initiative aligns with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and is expected to expand to BIMSTEC and ASEAN nations, leveraging AI and Blockchain for efficiency and security. By standardising trade documentation and integrating digital solutions, MAITRI will reduce processing time, optimise trade flows, and contribute to sustainable development. MAITRI is set to redefine international trade, positioning India as a leader in global logistics and trade facilitation.
Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy, Sagar Ankalan LPPI aims to benchmark port performance, drive operational excellence, and strengthen India’s trade connectivity. Developed under the Sagar Aankalan Guidelines, the LPPI evaluates all major and non-major ports under Bulk (Dry & Liquid) and Container categories. Key performance indicators include cargo handling, turnaround time, berth idle time, container dwell time, and ship berth-day output. The structured, data-driven methodology ensures transparency by equally weighing absolute performance and year-on-year improvement. By fostering a culture of efficiency and innovation, LPPI will drive India’s ports toward global standards, reinforcing the nation’s position as a maritime leader and a critical player in international trade. India has already made remarkable progress in global logistics, climbing to 22nd place in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023 for “International Shipments,” up from 44th.
