MoPSW Targets Completion Of 150 Projects Within Next Six Months

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) organised a two-day ‘Chintan Shivir, 2025’ in J&K's Srinagar with a vision to evaluate, reset, discover and apply solutions to unlock potential of the Blue Economy of India.

During the event, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed undergoing projects of the ministry — worth Rs 2 lakh crore — and drew up a goal, after consultative deliberation with the experts, of completing at least 150 projects by September 2025.

The event focused on boosting India's shipbuilding and repair capabilities, enhancing maritime infrastructure with financial and digital solutions, and promoting sustainable shipping.

Major announcements at the event included:

• A total of 150 initiatives/projects were identified for completion within the next six months, with a deadline set for 6 September 2025.

• The Union Minister reemphasised India’s vision to be among the top 5 shipbuilding nations by 2047, with an additional shipbuilding capacity of 4 million Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT). He directed the formulation of suitable policies and skill development initiatives while encouraging collaboration with the State governments.

• The Bharat Container Shipping Line will be established under the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI).

• All major ports to tender for at least one green tug within the next three months.

• The Harbour Craft Green Transition Programme will be launched to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions across Indian ports.

• A Coastal Green Shipping Corridor will be established, with the Kandla-Tuticorin corridor being the first to be developed in partnership with SCI, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) and V O Chidambaranar Port Authority (VoCPA).

• Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will invest Rs 100 crore in three National Waterways in Jammu and Kashmir, boosting inland water transport and connectivity in the region.

• The Decade of Sagarmala Vision will be celebrated in March 2025.

• A Sagarmala Startup and Innovation Initiative (S2I2) will be launched, accompanied by the establishment of Maritime Innovation Hubs (MIHs).

• India Ports Services Limited (IPSL) will be set up as a national platform for all major ports, providing end-to-end services to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

• The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal to commence commercial operations by April 2025.

• The Sagarmala Digital Centre of Excellence (CoE), in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), will be established to drive the digital transformation of the maritime sector.

These initiatives aim to enhance port competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and drive economic growth.  

Also Read: Maha Kumbh Water Quality Was Within Permissible Limits For Bathing: CPCB Report