India's container handling capacity to double in five years: Sonowal

Sonowal began his address by acknowledging the steady leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing that Modi’s vision of "Ports for Prosperity and Ports for Progress" is driving India's maritime transformation. He mentioned that the Prime Minister’s focus on holistic development and the concept of "Transformation through Transportation" are reshaping the nation's maritime landscape. Sonowal remarked that this approach is creating a shift in the sector, with the government's efforts to strengthen maritime infrastructure spurring economic growth and employment opportunities across the country. He further noted that waterways are becoming the new highways of India.

Elaborating on the Ministry’s initiatives under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance, Sonowal highlighted efforts aimed at enhancing port infrastructure, easing business processes, promoting sustainability, and generating employment. He pointed out that the establishment of Vadhvan Port is a significant achievement, marking the first major port since the founding of Kamarajar Port 25 years ago. He also noted the recent notification of Galathea Bay as a major port. Sonowal projected that container handling would reach 40 million TEUs within the next five years, creating 2 million jobs, with JNPA alone increasing its capacity from 6.6 million TEUs to 10 million.

Sonowal also emphasized the strategic importance of shipbuilding and ship repair, stating that the Ministry is developing clusters in Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Gujarat. He added that over 3,900 acres in Kandla and VOC Port are being allocated for hydrogen manufacturing hubs, positioning India as a leader in clean energy.

He further expressed anticipation for the upcoming "Sagarmanthan: The Great Ocean Conference," scheduled to take place in Mumbai this November, which will focus on ocean sustainability and the growth of the blue economy.