Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal proposes satellite support to improve India’s port management and coastal monitoring.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has suggested that India consider launching a dedicated satellite or acquiring a transponder to enhance maritime governance and port management.
Speaking on National Space Day, he said the move would provide exclusive coverage for India’s coastal waters, inland waterways, and port regions, while integrating with national maritime databases for advanced monitoring.
According to the minister, such a system could deliver real-time vessel tracking, improve navigational safety, and help identify congestion at ports. It would also boost preparedness for emergencies, including search-and-rescue operations, pollution response, and disaster management.
Sonowal stressed that the initiative would not only modernise port operations but also reduce reliance on foreign navigation systems, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. By leveraging space-based technology, the ministry aims to strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure and provide seamless monitoring of its vast coastline and exclusive economic zone.
Source: PIB
