Union Minister Sonowal announces plans for a significant boost in India’s container handling capacity, targeting 40 million TEUs by 2029.
In a significant announcement, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal detailed the Ministry’s achievements during the initial 100 days of the government, revealing a transformative vision for India’s maritime sector. The government aims to enhance container handling capacity to an impressive 40 million TEUs over the next five years, which is expected to generate approximately 2 million job opportunities across the country.
Sonowal highlighted that the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) will soon become the first Indian port to achieve a container handling capacity of 10 million TEUs. The upcoming International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island, is set to serve as a key transshipment hub, further boosting the nation’s maritime infrastructure.
Citing Prime Minister Modi’s focus on holistic development and his mantra of “Transformation through Transportation,” Sonowal emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening maritime infrastructure, promoting sustainability, and creating employment. He noted, “Waterways are becoming the new highways of India,” and reiterated the strategic importance of shipbuilding and ship repair with dedicated clusters being developed in five states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
In a push toward clean energy, over 3,900 acres of land have been allocated at the Deendayal Port and V.O. Chidambaranar Port for hydrogen manufacturing hubs, potentially attracting over ₹5 lakh crores in investments in the coming years. Additionally, the Mormugao Port cruise terminal in Goa has been operationalised, enhancing cruise tourism prospects.
Sonowal stated that the performance of major ports has improved, with traffic increasing by 4.87% in 2024. He also touched upon the government’s flagship projects, including the foundation of Vadhvan Port, which is projected to be one of the largest all-weather deep-water ports in the country.
The Minister’s remarks were preceded by a presentation from T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, who outlined the Ministry’s strategic initiatives and reforms aimed at enhancing maritime infrastructure, driving investment, and improving ease of doing business.
As part of ongoing efforts, the Ministry has launched several initiatives to streamline operations, including the establishment of the Indian Maritime Centre and the Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre. These reforms aim to position India as a global leader in maritime logistics and infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to initiate work on the ICTP at Galathea Bay and expand the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy, alongside a Maritime Development Fund to bolster domestic ship ownership. Sustainability initiatives will include the Harit Nauka scheme promoting green fuels for inland vessels and manufacturing hydrogen-powered vessels at Cochin Shipyard.
Sonowal concluded with a commitment to transform India’s maritime sector under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, focussing on enhancing infrastructure, improving business ease, and promoting sustainability to position India as a global maritime powerhouse. The Ministry remains dedicated to achieving the goals set forth under the Maritime India Vision 2030, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation in the sector.
