The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is organising the Maritime India Summit 2021. The summit has captured news headlines because it is focusing on fostering port-led development along the 7,516-km long coastline of India.
Foraging Path for Development: The Summit’s Major Focus Areas
The key focus areas of the initiative include an investment of USD 82 billion in port projects by 2035 under the Sagarmala Programme. The summit also aims to enhance the share of clean renewable energy sources in the maritime sector and boost tourism around lighthouses. Additionally, it has set an ambitious target to operationalise 23 waterways by 2030.
Infrastructure upgradation is another critical area where the summit is focusing. Strengthening the infrastructure is anticipated to support Atmanirbhar Bharat’s vision, where India strives towards becoming more self-reliant.
Current State of Indian Ports: An Overview
Presently, India houses 12 major ports and numerous minor ones along its West and East coasts. Over the years, the capacity of these major ports has escalated from 870 million tonnes in 2014 to 1550 million tonnes in 2021.
Several measures such as Direct Port Delivery, Direct Port Entry, and an upgraded Port Community System have been introduced for easier data flow. These initiatives have notably reduced the waiting time for inbound and outbound cargo.
Economic Significance of the Summit
The Maritime India Summit 2021 is expected to drive the growth of the maritime sector. It will position India as a leading Blue Economy in the world and advance the Maritime India Vision 2030.
Additional Initiatives for Port Development
The summit has also seen the launch of Sagar-Manthan: Mercantile Marine Domain Awareness Centre. This information system aims to improve maritime safety, search and rescue capabilities, security and marine environment protection.
Another noteworthy initiative involves developing ship repair clusters along both coasts by 2022. The domestic ship recycling industry will also receive a boost to create ‘Wealth from Waste’. A testament to this effort is India’s enactment of the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 and its agreement to the Hong Kong International Convention.
By 2030, the summit aims to increase the usage of renewable energy to more than 60% of total energy across Indian ports.
The Sagarmala Programme: A Comprehensive Approach to Port Development
The Union Cabinet approved the Sagarmala Programme in 2015 which focuses on the holistic infrastructure development of ports along the extensive coastline. It seeks modernisation, mechanisation, and computerisation of ports to increase cargo traffic three-fold.
It also aims to establish rail/road linkages with port terminals, providing last-mile connectivity to ports, develop linkages with new regions, and enhance multi-modal connectivity including rail, inland water, coastal, and road services.
Source: PIB
