Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasized the crucial role of private sector involvement in enhancing India’s ports as the nation aims for its vision of Amrit Kaal by 2047. Speaking at the 36th anniversary celebration of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai, Sonowal praised JNPA’s remarkable journey, noting its status as the largest container port in India with a record handling of 10 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of cargo. He highlighted the vital contributions made by private entities in achieving this milestone.
Sonowal promoted the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local and Local to Global,’ advocating for a broader perspective for all ports in India. He mentioned that Vadhvan Port is expected to be completed in ten years, with the first phase to be finalized within the next five years. He reiterated India’s ambition to become one of the top five maritime nations globally and urged all stakeholders, including private players, to foster an ecosystem that encourages international participation in India’s maritime development.
Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, also congratulated JNPA for reaching the significant milestone of handling 10 million TEUs of cargo, underscoring the need for clean, well-maintained, and sustainable ports to enhance productivity. T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry, pointed out that JNPA achieved full marks across all 11 parameters outlined in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Amrit Kaal, stressing the importance of port-led industrialization and the development of a ‘Safe, Smart, and Sustainable’ maritime sector in India.
Unmesh Wagh, Chairperson of JNPA, discussed various initiatives taken by the authority in areas such as green energy, solar power, and the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The event also featured the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for the Vadhvan Port Skilling Programme. One MoU, between Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. (VPPL) and Sahyadri Farms, aims to train rural youth, farmers, and farm produce companies. The second MoU, with Rural Enhancers Projects Pvt. Ltd., focuses on developing a terminal at Vadhvan Port for handling container, bulk, and liquid cargo. Additionally, a coffee table book titled ‘36 Years, 36 Milestones’ was unveiled to honor JNPA’s journey, while various terminals, stakeholders, and employees were recognized for their achievements during the year 2024-25.
In response to the oil spill incident off the coast of Kerala, Sonowal assured that the situation is under constant observation, with the ministry closely collaborating with relevant authorities. The Director General of Shipping has been instructed to take necessary measures to protect marine life and preserve the environment.
Original Source: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/participation-of-private-sector-essential-for-strengthening-ports-says-union-minister-sarbananda-sonowal/
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Publish Date: 2025-05-26 21:44:00
