Vision 2047: A Long-Term Strategy for Maritime Development
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,’ a comprehensive blueprint for the Indian maritime blue economy during the inauguration of the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 in Mumbai via video conference. This blueprint outlines strategic initiatives designed to enhance port facilities, promote sustainability, and foster international collaboration.
Key Initiatives for the Blue Economy
Prime Minister Modi highlighted several key initiatives under Vision 2047, which will contribute to reducing the cost of doing business and environmental degradation. These initiatives include:
- Next Generation Mega Port: Development of state-of-the-art mega ports to accommodate the growing maritime trade.
- International Container Trans-shipment Port: Building a trans-shipment port to facilitate efficient cargo handling and transfers.
- Island Development: Focusing on the development of islands to unlock their economic potential.
- Inland Waterways: Promoting the use of inland waterways for cost-effective transportation.
- Multi-Modal Hubs: Creating multi-modal transportation hubs to improve logistics.
Sea Routes and Global Trade
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the crucial role of sea routes in global trade, particularly in the post-pandemic world. He stressed the importance of establishing a reliable global supply chain and encouraged investors to participate in India’s maritime initiatives.
Recent Progress in India’s Ports
In the last decade, the capacity of major ports in India has doubled, and the turnaround time for large vessels has been significantly reduced to less than 24 hours, compared to the previous 42 hours.
Foundation Stones for Projects Worth ₹23,000 Crore
During the event, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stones for projects exceeding ₹23,000 crore that are aligned with the growth of India’s maritime blue economy.
India’s Role in the Changing World Order
Prime Minister Modi noted that in the changing world order, India is viewed with new aspirations. He highlighted the government’s vision of ‘Ports for Prosperity and Ports for Progress,’ which is driving transformative changes at the ground level. The mantra of ‘Ports for Productivity’ is being actively promoted.
Modernization of Coastal Shipping Modes and Green Initiatives
Coastal shipping modes in India are undergoing modernization, and coastal cargo traffic has doubled in the past decade, providing a cost-effective logistics option. India is poised to become one of the top five ship-building nations in the coming decade, with ship-building and repair centers planned in various locations. Efforts are underway to make major ports in India carbon-neutral through a net-zero strategy for the sector. Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s commitment to creating a sustainable, green planet through the Blue Economy.
Becoming a Global Cruise Hub
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the upcoming International Cruise terminal in Mumbai and the modern cruise terminals in Visakhapatnam and Chennai, which will help India establish itself as a global cruise hub.
The three-day Global Maritime India Summit 2023 will cover various critical aspects of the maritime sector, including port development, decarbonization, coastal shipping, shipbuilding, innovation and technology, maritime safety, and maritime tourism, among others.
