Padmesh Prabhune –
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) is to stablish Ship-building and Ship-repair Clusters in 5 states across the country. Addressing the media, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, presented an extensive overview of the significant milestones achieved by the Ministry during the first 100 days. Sonowal, outlined the Ministry’s upcoming priorities aimed at further enhancing India’s maritime sector.
Elaborating on the major initiatives taken by the Ministry under the guidance of PM Modi, highlighting that these are geared toward enhancing port infrastructure, improving ease of doing business, promoting sustainability, and creating employment opportunities, Sonowal mentioned that Ship-building and Ship-repair clusters will be established in five states including, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
Sonowal said, “”Recognizing the strategic importance of shipbuilding and ship repair, the Ministry is developing dedicated clusters in Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Gujarat. We are also allocating more than 3,900 acres in Kandla and VOC Port for the development of hydrogen manufacturing hubs, positioning India as a leader in clean energy. Additionally, we are eagerly looking forward to the upcoming ‘Sagarmanthan: The Great Ocean Conference,’ which will be held in Mumbai this November, further emphasizing focus on ocean sustainability and blue economy growth.”
Sonowal also presented the Ministry’s accomplishments, focusing on flagship projects that will enhance India’s maritime capabilities and contribute to overall sector development.
He underscored the foundation of Vadhvan Port, India’s first major port project of the 21st century, poised to become one of the largest all-weather deep-water ports with a capacity of 298 MMTPA expected to create 1.2 million employment opportunities and place an Indian port among the top 10 container ports globally, significantly improving international shipping connectivity and reducing transit times and costs.
Marex Media