India’s container handling capacity set for a twofold increase in five years: Sonowal

Sonowal commenced his address by acknowledging the unwavering guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose vision of ‘Ports for Prosperity and Ports for Progress’ has become the cornerstone of India’s maritime transformation. He highlighted that PM Modi’s focus on holistic development and his mantra of ‘Transformation through Transportation’ are leading to a complete overhaul of India’s maritime landscape. Sonowal further elaborated on the major initiatives taken by the Ministry under the guidance of PM Modi, highlighting that these are geared toward enhancing port infrastructure, improving ease of doing business, promoting sustainability, and creating employment opportunities.

“After 25 years since the establishment of Kamarajar Port, the addition of Vadhvan Port marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime journey, alongside the recent notification of Galathea Bay as a major port. In the next five years, MoPSW projects container handling to reach an impressive 40 million TEUs, creating 2 million job opportunities across the country. JNPA alone will scale up its handling capacity from the current 6.6 million TEUs to 10 million.” he said. The Union Minister presented the Ministry’s accomplishments, focusing on flagship projects that will enhance India’s maritime capabilities and contribute to overall sector development.

He underscored the foundation of Vadhvan Port, India’s first major port project of the 21st century, poised to become one of the largest allweather deep-water ports with a capacity of 298 MMTPA. This mega port is expected to create 1.2 million employment opportunities and place an Indian port among the top 10 container ports globally, significantly improving international shipping connectivity and reducing transit times and costs” he added. Another key project highlighted was the Tuticorin International Container Terminal on the East Coast, which will serve as a major transshipment hub, saving up to USD 200 per container and providing an estimated annual foreign exchange savings of USD 4 million.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, T.K. Ramachandran, provided a comprehensive overview of the Ministry’s strategic initiatives. He highlighted key reforms aimed at strengthening maritime infrastructure, driving investment, and enhancing ease of doing business.

Sonowal, outlined the Ministry’s upcoming priorities aimed at further enhancing India’s maritime sector. Key initiatives include the commencement of work on the International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island, which will serve as a major transshipment hub. To strengthen India’s self-reliance in shipbuilding, the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy will be expanded, along with the establishment of a Maritime Development Fund to boost domestic ship ownership. The Ministry is also set to enhance operational efficiency through digitalization with the EBS portal (Port Operating System), which will go live at five major ports, reducing logistics costs and streamlining operations.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways is resolutely focused on achieving the goals set forth under the Maritime India Vision 2030.  The efforts are directed toward ensuring sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and creating employment opportunities that will drive India’s maritime sector to global prominence.