"India sets course for sustainable maritime growth, eyes global leadership by 2047:" Union Minister Sonowal

New Delhi [India], September 16 (ANI):India's maritime sector is undergoing a transformative shift, positioning the nation as a future global maritime superpower. With ambitious investments, modern infrastructure, and sustainable reforms, the government is harnessing the power of its coasts and waterways to build a stronger and greener economy, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, India is set to attract investments worth Rs 80 lakh crore, generate over 1.5 crore jobs, and accelerate green shipping practices.
As per the release, Sonowal said, "India's maritime growth story is about prosperity, sustainability, and pride in our heritage."
"From efficient ports to digital shipping, every initiative reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi vision of combining economic strength with environmental responsibility. Under his leadership, we have already set course as India's Blue Economy aims to gain Rs 80 Lakh Crore boost, 1.5 Crore jobs under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision."
The government's flagship 'Sagarmala' programme is driving this change with 840 projects worth Rs 5.8 lakh crore under implementation by 2035. Already, 272 projects worth Rs 1.41 lakh crore have been completed. The upcoming Rs 76,000-crore Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, envisioned among the top 10 container ports globally, is projected to create 12 lakh jobs. Meanwhile, India's major ports have reduced turnaround time to 0.9 days, faster than global benchmarks in the U.S., Germany and Singapore. Nine Indian ports are now ranked among the world's top 100.
Highlighting the government's idea of implementing a conducive policy environment for swift implementation of PM Narendra Modi's vision, Sonowal said, "Our policy reforms are shaping an investor-friendly environment. With this spirit, after extensive stakeholder consultations in the spirit of cooperative federalism, we recently enacted 5 landmark pieces of legislation forever altering the maritime landscape of the nation, establishing a strong, business- and environment-friendly, globally aligned legislative framework. With the Rs 25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund (MDF), our government has incentivised shipbuilding, infrastructure status to large vessels, and tonnage tax benefits for inland vessels. Together, these are boosting competitiveness and global alignment."
He added, "From the 'No Vision' of the UPA regime, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given us two 'Grand Visions' - the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. These vision documents have shaped our strategy and planning to spruce up the sector and empower it to become a force multiplier towards propelling the Indian economy to become Viksit Bharat."
Kerala has emerged as a key driver of this maritime resurgence. The Vizhinjam International Seaport, operational since 2024, is India's first fully automated transhipment hub and has already handled 10.6 lakh TEUs and nearly 500 ships. Cochin Shipyard, builder of INS Vikrant, is expanding its global footprint in shipbuilding & repair.
Speaking on the key role that Kerala plays in India's ambition of becoming a global maritime power.
"Kerala anchors India's vision of becoming a maritime superpower by 2047. The Cochin Port and its Vallarpadam transhipment terminal are set for further expansion to accommodate rising cargo flows. Under Sagarmala, 54 projects worth Rs 24,000 crore are being executed in Kerala, of which 20 are already complete. These include modernised fishing harbours at Kochi, Kannur, and Thrissur, providing direct benefits to thousands of fishermen. All of this and more are aimed at harnessing the state's maritime potential as well as unlocking opportunities to further the larger goal of maritime excellence," Sonowal said, as per the release.
The Kochi Water Metro, Asia's largest integrated water transport system, is revolutionising urban connectivity with 78 electric-hybrid vessels connecting 10 island communities. Kerala's waterways are also being developed as economic corridors. National Waterway 3 and the International Cruise Terminal in Kochi have unlocked tourism and logistics opportunities, with the terminal welcoming 105 cruise ships and 1.4 lakh passengers in just three years.
With India Maritime Week 2025 scheduled in Mumbai this October, the government anticipates stronger international partnerships and fresh investment inflows. Sonowal urged global stakeholders to deliberate on issues such as decarbonisation, supply chain resilience, cybersecurity, and sustainable shipping.
"A new era of maritime glory has begun," Sonowal said. "Kerala's success is proof that India's maritime sector can combine tradition with technology and history with modernity to power our rise as a maritime superpower and a Viksit Bharat by 2047." (ANI)