Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal conducts comprehensive review of key maritime projects

Guwahati: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal conducted extensive review meetings in Mumbai.

Considering the prevailing situation, the Union Minister took stock of key maritime projects and directed the officials to ensure that the business remains as usual. Sonowal also reviewed measures to be taken to ensure smooth and normal movement of cargo operations.

Major organisations under the ministry, including the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd. (IPRCL), Indian Port Global Ltd. (IPGL), Directorate General of Shipping, and Mumbai Port Authority participated in the daylong meeting.

The Union Minister also reviewed the progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, one of the ministry’s flagship initiatives.

In detailed interaction with the CMD and directors of SCI, the minister reviewed current operations, fleet augmentation, and long-term expansion strategies aligned with the government’s Vision 2047. SCI, as India’s strategic national shipping line, plays a pivotal role in advancing maritime self-reliance and capacity enhancement.

An in-depth review of the Greenfield Mega Port project at Vadhvan was held with JNPA Chairman Unmesh Wagh and senior officials. The minister stressed the need to fast-track development of the port, citing the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a global maritime leader.

The minister also met with IPGL Chairman Sunil Mukundan to assess the company’s global performance. Discussions included the progress and plans for Chabahar Port in Iran and Sittwe Port in Myanmar, key projects that aim to expand India’s maritime footprint internationally.

A separate meeting was held with IPRCL Chairman M.K. Semwal and senior management to assess progress on critical rail connectivity projects, particularly those supporting IWAI operations in Assam and infrastructure across major ports. The minister urged IPRCL to prioritize the development of port-linked rail tracks in view of rising cargo volumes.

In addition, the Union Minister interacted with the newly constituted National Shipping Board (NSB), welcoming its chairperson and members. Sonowal emphasized the board’s strategic role in policy guidance and expressed confidence in its contribution to shaping India’s maritime future.

“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji, we are working towards unearthing opportunities of the blue economy and enable our maritime sector to step up to become a major force in the world. All our agencies, organizations and team are working towards the realization of this vision of PM Modi to transform our country as Viksit Bharat. We met to review our key projects and take measures towards swift realization of these maritime goals,” Sonowal said.

Also present were T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary (Ports, Shipping and Waterways), and R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (Ports), who participated in the high-level deliberations.