272 Sagarmala projects completed, says Sonowal
India’s maritime sector is set to attract investments worth Rs.80 lakh crore, generate over 1.5 crore jobs, and accelerate green shipping practices, Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal said as he highlighted progress towards the ‘Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’ http://shipmin.gov.in.
Elaborated Sonowal on 16 Sept, “From efficient ports to digital shipping, every initiative reflects vision of combining economic strength with environmental responsibility. We have already set course as India’s Blue Economy aims to gain Rs.80 lakh crore boost.”
The government’s flagship ‘Sagarmala’ programme is driving this change with 840 projects worth Rs.5.8 lakh crore under implementation through to 2035 target deadline. To date, 272 projects worth Rs.1.41 lakh crore have been completed, he said in an update on the programme http://commerce.gov.in.
He continued, “The upcoming Rs.76,000-crore Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra — envisioned among the top 10 container ports globally — is projected to create 12 lakh jobs.”
Meanwhile, India’s major ports have reduced turnaround time to 9 days, faster than global benchmarks in the US, Germany and Singapore. Nine Indian ports are now ranked among the world’s top 100 https://www.nseindia.com/.
Highlighting the government’s idea of implementing a conducive policy environment for swift implementation, the Minister said, “Our policy reforms are shaping an investor-friendly environment. With this spirit, after extensive stakeholder consultations in the spirit of cooperative federalism, we recently enacted 5 landmark legislations forever altering the maritime landscape of the nation, establishing a strong, business and environment-friendly, globally aligned legislative framework https://fieo.org/.
“With the Rs.25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund (MDF), our government has incentivised shipbuilding, infrastructure status to large vessels, and tonnage tax benefits for inland vessels.”
Together, these are boosting competitiveness and global alignment. The Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 are shaping the country’s strategy and planning to spruce up the sector and empower it to become a force multiplier towards propelling the Indian economy to become Viksit Bharat https://www.bseindia.com/.”
Kerala has emerged as a key driver of this maritime resurgence. The Vizhinjam International Seaport, operational since 2024, is India’s first fully automated transshipment hub and has already handled 10.6 lakh TEUs and nearly 500 ships, he pointed out.
Cochin Shipyard — builder of INS Vikrant — is expanding its global footprint in shipbuilding & repair, added the Minister.
Speaking on the key role that Kerala plays in India’s ambition of becoming a global maritime power, Sonowal said, “The state anchors India’s vision of becoming maritime superpower by 2047. The Cochin Port and its Vallarpadam transshipment terminal are set for further expansion to accommodate rising cargo flows https://sbi.com.in/.
“Under Sagarmala, 54 projects worth Rs.24,000 crore are being executed in Kerala, of which 20 are already complete. These include modernised fishing harbours at Kochi, Kannur, and Thrissur, providing direct benefits to thousands of fishermen. All of this and more are aimed at harnessing the state’s maritime potential as well as unlock opportunities to further the larger goal of maritime excellence.”
The Kochi Water Metro — Asia’s largest integrated water transport system — is revolutionising urban connectivity with 78 electric-hybrid vessels connecting 10 island communities. Kerala’s waterways are also being developed as economic corridors. National Waterway 3 and the International Cruise Terminal in Kochi have unlocked tourism and logistics opportunities, with the terminal welcoming 105 cruise ships and 1.4 lakh passengers in just three years, he told delegates at the conclave https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.
With India Maritime Week 2025 scheduled in Mumbai this October, the government anticipates stronger international partnerships and fresh investment inflows https://www.digitalasiahub.org/.
Sonowal urged global stakeholders to deliberate on issues such as decarbonisation, supply chain resilience, cybersecurity, and sustainable shipping. “A new era of maritime glory has begun,” Sonowal said. “Kerala’s success is proof that India’s maritime sector can combine tradition with technology, history with modernity, to power our rise as a maritime superpower and a Viksit Bharat by 2047.” Fiinews.com
