New Delhi: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced on Tuesday that India is poised to attract investments worth ₹80 lakh crore in the coming years, generating over 1.5 crore jobs and accelerating the country’s transition towards green shipping practices.
In an official statement, Sonowal emphasized that India’s maritime sector is undergoing a transformative shift, positioning the nation to emerge as a global maritime superpower by 2047.
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision: A Blueprint for Prosperity
Sonowal called India’s maritime progress a journey of “prosperity, sustainability, and pride in our heritage,” underscoring the role of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, which aims to unlock ₹80 lakh crore in economic value and generate massive employment.
“India’s blue economy aims to gain an ₹80 lakh crore boost and 1.5 crore jobs under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision,” the minister stated.
Sagarmala Programme: 840 Projects in Motion
A significant driver of this transformation is the Sagarmala Programme, under which:
- 840 projects worth ₹5.8 lakh crore are planned by 2035
- 272 projects worth ₹1.41 lakh crore have already been completed
These projects span port modernization, coastal shipping, inland waterways, fishing harbour upgrades, and more.
Vadhavan Port: India’s Gateway to Global Shipping
A cornerstone of the maritime expansion is the ₹76,000 crore Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, envisioned to be among the top 10 container ports globally. The mega port is expected to:
- Handle large container volumes
- Create 12 lakh direct and indirect jobs
- Strengthen India’s role in global trade routes
- Ports Performance: Indian Ports Outpace Global Benchmarks
India’s major ports have significantly reduced turnaround time to 0.9 days, outperforming ports in countries like the US, Germany, and Singapore.
Additionally, 9 Indian ports are now ranked among the top 100 ports globally, marking a milestone in India’s journey toward port-led growth.
Kerala’s Role in Maritime Vision 2047
Sonowal highlighted Kerala as a key player in India’s maritime ambitions, citing:
- 54 Sagarmala projects worth ₹24,000 crore
- 20 projects already completed, including modernised fishing harbours in Kochi, Kannur, and Thrissur
The Cochin Port and Vallarpadam transhipment terminal are also set for further expansion to meet rising cargo demand.
India Maritime Week 2025: Boosting Global Collaborations
The upcoming India Maritime Week 2025, to be held in Mumbai this October, is expected to draw global investors, policymakers, and maritime leaders.
Sonowal urged stakeholders to deliberate on pressing challenges, including:
- Decarbonisation of maritime logistics
- Supply chain resilience
- Cybersecurity in ports
- Sustainable shipping technologies
