Govt to set up Bureau of Port Security soon: Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

Sonowal unveiled a vision for India's maritime sector, outlining key initiatives that promise a transformative impact during the 19th Maritime States Development Council meeting in Kevadia, Gujarat.

MSDC is an apex advisory body constituted in May 1997 to develop the Maritime Sector. It aims to ensure the integrated development of Major and other notified ports.

The Ports, Shipping and Waterways plans to develop Hydrogen Hubs across the Central Government and State Government ports.

“All Central Government and State Government ports will explore the possibility of creating Hydrogen Hubs,” he said adding that Deendayal Port Authority has already finalised MoUs worth Rs 1.68 lakh crore for this venture.

India has set the target of quadrupling its port capacity under the Amrit Kaal Vision for Ports.

All major ports have prepared their Port Master Plans for 2047, and states are also getting their Port Master Plans for 2047 ready, he said.

"The total country’s Port capacity will increase from existing around 2,600 MTPA to more than 10,000 MTPA in 2047," he said.

Shri Sonowal added, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi, MoPSW is marking new achievements. He always believes in better cooperation, and the Maritime States Development Council emerges as a critical mechanism of cooperation and plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of our Nation's maritime sector.”

The Union Minister announced that all maritime states and Union Territories will participate in the Global Maritime India Summit 2023, making it one of the largest summits in the country.

Global Maritime India Summit 2023, where delegates from more than 100 countries are expected to be present, is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 17th-19th October 2023.

India’s maritime sector is poised for substantial growth, with investment opportunities identified to be more than 10 lakh crore with employment generation prospects for over 15 lakh youths in the country, Sonowal underscored.

Keeping up with this vision, the role of private players is being progressively augmented, with Public-Private Partnership (PPP) terminals currently handling about 50% of the cargo at major ports and efforts underway to raise their share to approximately 85% in the coming decades.

This strategic move towards privatisation is expected to enhance efficiency and facilitate the scaling of operations, he said.

Furthermore, there is a discernible focus on enhancing cargo movement on India's National Waterways, which witnessed a 16% year-on-year increase in the last fiscal year.

Ambitious targets have been set to achieve a substantial quantum of 500 MTPA by 2047, underlining the government's commitment to leveraging the maritime sector as a catalyst for comprehensive national growth, Sonowal said.