India launches eight maritime projects worth ₹5.8 lakh crore under Sagarmala to power port-led economic growth.
In a landmark celebration of India’s maritime journey, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee of New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) at Bharat Mandapam, marking 50 years of its service to the nation.
To commemorate this milestone, the minister unveiled eight major maritime projects aimed at strengthening India’s port infrastructure, improving logistics efficiency, and advancing sustainable development. Among the projects are a state-of-the-art cruise terminal, modern covered storage facilities, a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital, expanded truck terminals, and upgraded port access infrastructure to enhance operational capacity.
The minister also released a commemorative postal stamp, a coin, and the official Golden Jubilee Anthem, celebrating NMPA’s evolution since 1975. “From handling a few thousand tonnes to 46.01 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2023–24, NMPA has emerged as a crucial hub for India’s trade,” Sonowal said, adding that the port’s capacity now stands at 104 million tonnes per annum, with a new deep-draft berth underway.
Emphasising the strategic role of ports in India’s economic vision, he stated, “As we move towards ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, our ports will be pivotal in achieving the goal of making India a $30 trillion economy. We must become a Viksit Atmanirbhar Maritime Nation by 2047.”
Sonowal also lauded NMPA’s commitment to green and sustainable operations, highlighting the importance of eco-friendly growth. India’s ports are being transformed through initiatives like the Harit Sagar Guidelines, the Green Tug Transition Programme, the Harit Nauka Scheme, and Green Shipping Corridors, aligning India with global clean-fuel and electric-vessel trends.
Over the past decade, India’s maritime sector has undergone unprecedented growth. The Sagarmala Programme, central to this transformation, is implementing 840 projects worth ₹5.8 lakh crore by 2035. So far, 272 projects worth ₹1.41 lakh crore have been completed, while 217 projects worth ₹1.65 lakh crore are under execution.
The eight newly launched projects include:
- Two covered storage sheds (14,000 MT capacity)
- A dedicated cruise gate for international tourists
- RFID-enabled cargo and Customs facilities at KK Gate
- Expanded truck parking terminal with 50–80 truck capacity
- PQC roads at MDL Yard with drainage
- Truck parking terminal at Baikampady (20,000 sq. m., 180–200 trucks)
- A 150-bed multi-speciality hospital (₹107 crore investment)
- A dedicated medical app for port beneficiaries
The Golden Jubilee celebrations will be held later this year, honouring NMPA’s five-decade legacy in driving India’s maritime trade and regional growth. The event was attended by senior officials, including R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (Ports), and Dr Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, Chairman, NMPA.
With this bold push, India is steering toward a future-ready, green, and globally competitive port ecosystem, anchoring its economic ambitions firmly in maritime strength.
Source: PIB
