Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways addressed concerns regarding the capacity enhancement of major ports and sustainable practices within the maritime sector. The response highlights completed projects, initiatives outlined in the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and steps taken to promote sustainability. The goal is to transform India into one of the top five maritime nations by 2047.
Key Points / Main Content:
Capacity Enhancement of Major Ports:
* Approximately Rs. 41,000 crore invested in projects from FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25 to increase cargo handling capacity.
* Improvements achieved through modernization, mechanization, digitalization, dredging, and infrastructure development for road and rail connectivity.
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047:
* Comprehensive roadmap with nearly 300 strategic initiatives to become one of the top five maritime nations by 2047.
* Key initiatives include:
* Port Modernization and Infrastructure Expansion: Development of new mega ports, deep-draft port upgrades, and improved connectivity.
* Shipbuilding and Repair Enhancement: Revamped policy and creation of new clusters.
* Green Maritime Initiatives: Implementation of Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines, Green Hydrogen/Ammonia Hubs at Major Ports, Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), and Harit Nauka Guidelines.
* Cruise Tourism Development: Launch of Cruise Bharat Mission and establishment of six new international cruise terminals.
* Technological Advancements and Digital Transformation: Smart Communication Systems, National Logistics Portal Marine 2.0, Maritime Single Window, ESamudra Project.
* Skill Development and International Collaboration.
Promotion of Sustainable Practices:
* Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines 2023 provide a framework for environmental sustainability in port operations.
* Promotion of renewable energy use, electrification of port equipment, shore-to-ship power deployment, and induction of green tugs.
* Development of common infrastructure for green hydrogen hubs at three Major Ports.
* Other initiatives include dredged material reuse, enhancement of green cover, and adoption of energy-efficient devices.
Impact Analysis:
Major Ports:
* Impact: Required to implement modernization, mechanization, digitalization, and sustainable practices as per the guidelines and initiatives.
* Action Required: Execute projects, adopt green technologies, and align with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Maritime Sector Stakeholders:
* Impact: Will benefit from enhanced infrastructure, increased efficiency, and sustainable practices in the maritime sector.
* Action Required: Participate in the various initiatives, adopt new technologies, and contribute to achieving the goals of Maritime Vision 2047.
Government of India:
* Impact: Responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and ensuring the achievement of its goals.
* Action Required: Monitor progress, provide necessary support, and make policy adjustments as needed to facilitate the transformation of the maritime sector.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: A ministry in the Government of India responsible for ports, shipping, and waterways.
SMT. POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM: Member of Parliament who raised the question in Lok Sabha.
SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL: Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways answering the question.
Maritime Vision 2047: A long-term vision document aiming to transform India into one of the top five maritime nations by 2047.
Maritime AmritKaal Vision 2047: A comprehensive roadmap aimed at transforming India into one of the top five maritime nations by the year 2047, encompasses nearly 300 strategic initiatives across various domains of the maritime sector.
HaritSagar Green Port Guidelines: Guidelines for environmental sustainability in port operations.
Cruise Bharat Mission: An initiative for the development of cruise tourism in India.
National Logistics Portal Marine 2.0: A digital platform for maritime logistics.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3435
ANSWERED ON 08.08.2025
CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT OF MAJOR PORTS
3435. SMT. POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM:
Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:
प(cid:517)न, पोत प(cid:303)रवहन और जलमाग(cid:330) मं(cid:361)ी
(a) whether the Government has taken steps to improve the resilience and capacity
of major ports in accommodating rising trade volumes;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the specific investments made to enhance
port handling capacity;
(c) the details of the specific initiatives outlined by the Government in the Maritime
Vision 2047 to achieve the goal of becoming one of the top five maritime nations by
2047;
(d) whether the Government has taken steps to promote sustainable practices
within the maritime sector; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a)& (b) Yes, various projects worth around Rs. 41,000 crore have been completed
between FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25 in Major Ports which has given a strong push to
increase the cargo handling capacity of ports through modernization, mechanization,
digitalization, dredging for deepening of drafts, development of infrastructure for road
and rail connectivity etc.
(c) The Maritime AmritKaal Vision 2047, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at
transforming India into one of the top five maritime nations by the year 2047,
encompasses nearly 300 strategic initiatives across various domains of the maritime
sector. The key initiatives include:-
(i) Port Modernization and Infrastructure Expansion featuring new mega ports,
deep-draft ports upgrades and improved connectivity.
(ii) Shipbuilding and Repair Enhancement driven by revamped policy and
creation of new clusters.(iii) Green Maritime Initiatives including implementation of HaritSagar Green
Port Guidelines, Green Hydrogen/Ammonia Hubs at Major Ports and
launch of Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) and HaritNauka
Guidelines.
(iv) Cruise Tourism Development marked by the launch of Cruise Bharat
Mission and establishment of six new international cruise terminals.
(v) Technological Advancements and Digital Transformation through Smart
Communication Systems, National Logistics Portal (Marine) 2.0, Maritime
Single Window, E-Samudra Project for vessel registration and certification.
(vi) Skill Development and International Collaboration.
(d) & (e) The Government, through various policy frameworks and initiatives, has taken
measures aimed to promote sustainable practices at Maritime Sector such as the
‘HaritSagar’ Green Port Guidelines 2023, which provide an indicative framework for
environmental sustainability in port operations. Efforts have been made to promote the
use of renewable energy, electrification of port equipment, deployment of shore-to-
ship power, and gradual induction of green tugs. Three Major Ports have also taken
steps towards developing common infrastructure for development of green hydrogen
hub. Other interventions taken at Major Ports include dredged material re-use,
enhancement of green cover, and adoption of energy-efficient devices.
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