Team Herald
MARGAO: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced ambitious plans for India's maritime sector during a press conference in Goa on Wednesday. He praised the new International Cruise Terminal at Mormugao Port and assured that pollution concerns in the State would be addressed.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are advancing projects worth Rs 24,000 crore in Goa under the Sagarmala initiative to transform India’s maritime sector,” Sonowal stated. He emphasized that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to revolutionise the country's maritime landscape.
Sonowal’s remarks came ahead of the 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) meeting, which commenced in Benaulim on Wednesday and will conclude on Thursday. He explained that the MSDC meeting would serve as a platform to review progress on key initiatives, including the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. “The Maritime State Development Council will review the progress of these initiatives as we align with our future targets,” he said adding, “By bringing all stakeholders from coastal states together, we aim to create world-class infrastructure.”
Sonowal inspected the upcoming International Cruise Terminal at Mormugao Port. He toured the construction site of the new terminal building and experienced the port's facilities via a yacht ride. This visit underscores the government's focus on developing Goa's maritime infrastructure, particularly in the cruise tourism sector. "With the new Cruise Terminal at Mormugao Port, we are setting a benchmark for excellence, aiming to provide facilities that will help us meet our target of 1.5 million cruise tourists by 2030," he stated.
The minister outlined several key topics to be addressed during the MSDC meeting, with a primary focus on reviewing the Sagarmala Programme, assessing its progress, and outlining future plans for port-led development.
Strategic discussions will also cover the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Gujarat, highlighting efforts to preserve and showcase India's rich maritime history.
Sonowal emphasized the importance of developing the country's inland waterway network, with proposals aimed at enhancing cargo and passenger transport. "We are looking at innovative ways to utilize our vast network of waterways to boost both trade and tourism," he added. Improving road and rail connectivity to ports will also be a major topic of discussion, as the minister stressed the need for seamless multimodal transportation to facilitate smoother movement of goods and passengers, which could enhance Goa's connectivity and boost its economy.
Environmental sustainability will be a key theme of the meeting, with special attention given to reducing pollution at Goa Port by curbing the handling of dirty cargo. "We are committed to promoting cleaner, more sustainable port operations," Sonowal stated. "This not only aligns with our environmental goals but also enhances Goa's appeal as a destination for both tourists and residents."
The meeting will showcase innovative state-led initiatives, including Kerala Maritime Board's strategies to monetize dredging activities, Gujarat Maritime Board's urban development projects linked to port activity, and Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board's comprehensive master plan for maritime growth. Additional agenda topics include compliance status of Major and Non-Major ports, strategic plans to boost the shipbuilding and ship repair industries, a review of Sagarankalan guidelines, and improvements to the port ranking system in India.
The MSDC meeting will bring together Chief Ministers, ministers from coastal states, Administrators of Union Territories (UTs), senior officials from all nine coastal states, four UTs, and representatives from various Union Government Ministries and Departments. "This gathering reaffirms our government’s commitment to advancing India’s maritime infrastructure, boosting port connectivity, and fostering sustainable growth for the maritime sector," Sonowal emphasized. He added that the integration of Minor Ports with Major Ports and new proposals for roads, railways, and Inland Water Transport (IWT) will pave the way for a robust maritime economy.
The minister concluded by stating that the outcomes of this 20th MSDC meeting are expected to have far-reaching implications for India’s maritime future. Earlier in the day, he participated in the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, planting a sapling at Mormugao Port.