Comprehensive reform-driven roadmap outlined for maritime transformation.
Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has called for extensive leveraging of Artificial Intelligence, digital systems and data-driven governance for improving operational efficiency, transparency and service delivery across the maritime sector.
He has also instructed officials to accelerate technological integration and strengthen institutional data-sharing mechanisms for better monitoring and policy outcomes.
In a major push towards digital governance and ease of doing business (EODB), the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), also decided to develop an integrated digital platform and mobile application under the aegis of the Directorate General of Shipping. The proposed platform will provide enhanced stakeholder interface, real-time service delivery, digital documentation, grievance redressal and integrated maritime services through a unified digital ecosystem.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on 25 May with senior officials of the Ministry, he outlined a comprehensive reform-driven roadmap aimed at accelerating India’s maritime transformation.
The meeting focused on strengthening governance, improving ease of doing business (EODB), enhancing digital integration, effective grievance redressal and ensuring time-bound implementation of key maritime initiatives through a structured and accountable institutional mechanism.
Highlighting the transformational journey of India’s maritime sector, Sonowal announced that the Ministry would commemorate the completion of 12 years of maritime reforms and growth through the celebration of a nationwide “Maritime Reform Utsav.” The initiative will showcase India’s major achievements in ports, shipping, inland waterways, coastal infrastructure, green shipping, digitalisation and maritime connectivity, reflecting the country’s emergence as a leading global maritime nation.
“India’s maritime sector has undergone unprecedented transformation through the mantra of ‘Reform, Perform, Transform and Inform’. The Maritime Reform Utsav will celebrate the journey of India becoming a modern, efficient and globally competitive maritime power,” said Sonowal.
The Minister directed officials to establish a structured and time-bound mechanism for expeditious disposal of grievances, court cases, legal matters and all ministry-related pending issues. A dedicated monitoring and coordination committee will be constituted to conduct periodic reviews, ensure accountability and facilitate timely resolution of all pending matters.
Emphasising citizen-centric governance and stakeholder responsiveness, Sonowal said grievance redressal systems must focus not merely on procedural disposal but on actual ground-level resolution. Sonowal instructed departments to strengthen monitoring frameworks and ensure effective follow-up on all public representations and stakeholder concerns.
The meeting further resolved to undertake a comprehensive review and gap analysis of the progress achieved in the maritime sector during the past 12 years. The exercise will assess ongoing reforms and infrastructure development in alignment with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” while identifying priority areas requiring accelerated policy intervention, institutional strengthening and capacity enhancement.
Sonowal stressed the importance of stronger coordination among ministries, state governments, port authorities, maritime institutions and industry stakeholders to ensure faster decision-making and smoother implementation of major maritime and logistics projects. Sonowal directed officials to enhance inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms and institutional consultations for improved policy execution and monitoring.
The Minister also emphasised the need for greater participation of industry representatives, state governments, port authorities and allied stakeholders in consultative meetings to improve transparency, knowledge-sharing and sectoral coordination. Sonowal noted that collaborative governance and continuous dialogue are essential for addressing emerging challenges and unlocking the full potential of India’s maritime economy.
Recognising the rapidly evolving needs of the maritime sector, Sonowal directed departments to strengthen skill development, capacity building and specialised maritime training programmes. Sonowal emphasised the importance of developing expertise in digital governance, data management, logistics integration and emerging maritime technologies to support future growth requirements.
To ensure timely implementation and accountability, Sonowal directed all departments to conduct periodic review meetings with measurable outcome-based targets. He said every ministry initiative must be monitored through clearly defined timelines, performance indicators and continuous assessment mechanisms.
Highlighting the importance of effective public communication, Sonowal instructed officials to significantly strengthen stakeholder outreach and media engagement efforts for wider dissemination of the Ministry’s achievements, reforms and opportunities. Sonowal called for innovative communication strategies using digital campaigns, short videos, graphics, reels, institutional outreach and awareness programmes to connect with wider audiences, particularly youth.
“Our reforms, opportunities and achievements should be communicated effectively through both traditional and digital platforms so that young Indians see the maritime sector as a dynamic avenue for nation-building and employment generation,” Sonowal said.
The Minister further directed the constitution of a dedicated monitoring and coordination committee for compilation, review and follow-up of the outcomes, commitments and strategic initiatives. The committee will ensure timely implementation, inter-agency coordination and strict adherence to timelines for all key deliverables emerging from the visit.
He directed all divisions of the Ministry to identify implementation bottlenecks and strengthen systems under the framework of “Reform, Perform, Transform and Inform.”
Emphasising the importance of stakeholder outreach and public communication, Sonowal said transformative reforms and initiatives must be effectively communicated through stronger engagement, digital campaigns and innovative communication platforms. Sonowal also stressed the need for greater coordination, structured monitoring and result-oriented governance aligned with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat,” while calling for faster execution, accountability and improved service delivery across the maritime sector. Fiinews.com
