Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel on Monday underscored the state’s emergence as India’s maritime powerhouse under Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s transformative vision of ‘Samudra se Samruddhi’ (Prosperity through the Sea). Speaking at the inauguration of India Maritime Week 2025, organised by the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mr. Patel highlighted how Gujarat’s maritime ecosystem has become a model for the nation.
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The event was inaugurated by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Mr. Amit Shah in the presence of Union Shipping Minister Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal and the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Goa, and Odisha.
Integrated Growth in Maritime and Manufacturing Sectors
Addressing global maritime leaders, innovators, and investors from over 100 countries, Mr. Patel said Gujarat has successfully built an integrated ecosystem for both “chip and ship” manufacturing. This development, he said, is strengthening Prime Minister Mr. Modi’s goal of achieving an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
He emphasized that Gujarat’s two-decade-long maritime journey has positioned the state as the “Maritime Gateway of the Nation,” currently handling more than 40 percent of India’s total cargo traffic.
Driving National Cargo, LNG-LPG, and Ship Recycling Leadership
Mr. Patel stated that Gujarat leads the nation in LNG and LPG handling, with Dahej port alone accounting for over 80 percent of India’s LNG-LPG throughput. Additionally, Gujarat contributes an impressive 98 percent of the country’s ship recycling at the world’s largest yard in Alang, showcasing its global maritime leadership.
Ambitious Expansion Aligned with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
The Chief Minister announced that Gujarat aims to enhance the combined capacity of its major and non-major ports to 3,000 MMTPA by 2047, aligning with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This goal underscores Gujarat’s long-term commitment to sustainable maritime growth, infrastructure expansion, and employment generation.
Preserving Heritage While Driving Innovation and Blue Economy
Highlighting the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Mr. Patel described it as a living embodiment of PM Modi’s guiding principle, “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development with Heritage). The project symbolizes Gujarat’s balance between progress and preservation, promoting tourism, education, and cultural pride.
Innovation, Connectivity, and Coastal Development Underway
Mr. Patel reaffirmed the state’s focus on maritime innovation, skill development, and the blue economy. Gujarat continues to lead port modernization, connectivity upgrades under the Sagarmala project, and coastal community development initiatives. He said that Gujarat’s ports today are not only trade gateways but also dynamic hubs for employment, industry, and economic progress.
National Leadership in Maritime Transformation
The inaugural session was attended by dignitaries including Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Goa Chief Minister Mr. Pramod Sawant, Odisha Chief Minister Mr. Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister of State Mr. Shantanu Thakur, and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Ministers Mr. Eknath Shinde and Mr. Ajit Pawar, reflecting a unified national vision for maritime excellence.
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