Pratik Bijlani –
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) convened a National Consultative Workshop with Coastal States and Union Territories in New Delhi, marking another important step in shaping the future of India’s maritime sector under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The workshop brought together senior officials and maritime stakeholders to align national goals with state-level initiatives and accelerate the next phase of port-led growth.
The discussions focused on improving logistics efficiency, strengthening digital integration, promoting sustainability, and enhancing cooperation between the Centre and States. Delivering the keynote address, Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, MoPSW, highlighted the significant transformation witnessed in India’s maritime sector in recent years, including improved port performance, stronger global rankings, and deeper integration with international trade networks.
He noted that India is steadily emerging as a more competitive maritime nation, driven by infrastructure expansion, policy reforms, mechanisation, and increasing private sector participation. The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 outlines major investments across ports, coastal shipping, inland waterways, shipbuilding, and green shipping, with modernisation and digitisation at its core.
A key area of discussion was the role of non-major ports, also known as Other Than Major Ports, which currently handle nearly 46 percent of India’s cargo. Recognising their growing importance in regional development and coastal logistics, the Ministry stressed the need to integrate these ports more closely with national systems and standards.
Participants also reviewed flagship initiatives such as the One Nation One Port Process (ONOP), aimed at standardising procedures across ports, and the Maritime Single Window (MSW) – Sagar Setu, designed to enable seamless digital transactions and faster clearances. The Indian Ports Act, 2025, was highlighted as an important reform to strengthen coordination, transparency, and regulatory efficiency.
Representatives from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and several Union Territories shared their progress in infrastructure expansion, green port development, digitalisation, and shipbuilding clusters.
The Ministry stated that the workshop reflects a strong spirit of cooperative federalism and shared commitment to maritime growth. With sustained collaboration between the Centre and States, India aims to unlock the full potential of its maritime sector and move decisively toward becoming a leading global maritime nation.
Marex Media