Union Minister unveils major initiatives to modernize India’s ports, streamline trade, and enhance global competitiveness.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched a series of key maritime initiatives aimed at transforming India’s port infrastructure, improving global trade connectivity, and enhancing ease of doing business. These initiatives were announced during a stakeholder meeting in Mumbai, following major maritime sector announcements in the Union Budget.
Shri Sonowal unveiled the ‘One Nation-One Port’ Process (ONOP) to standardize and streamline port operations across India. This initiative aims to remove inefficiencies caused by inconsistent documentation and operational delays. As part of ONOP, the Ministry has reduced container operation documents by 33% (from 143 to 96) and bulk cargo documents by 29% (from 150 to 106), ensuring faster processing and smoother logistics.
The Minister also launched Sagar Ankalan – Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2023-24, which benchmarks port performance and enhances efficiency in India’s maritime sector. This initiative aligns with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, ensuring India’s ports meet global standards.
To further strengthen India’s global trade presence, Shri Sonowal introduced the Bharat Global Ports Consortium, which will expand India’s maritime reach and enhance supply chain resilience. He also launched the MAITRI logo (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface), a digital trade facilitation tool leveraging AI and Blockchain to create a ‘Virtual Trade Corridor’ between India and the UAE. The corridor is expected to expand to BIMSTEC and ASEAN nations, optimizing global trade efficiency.
Speaking at the event, Shri Sonowal emphasized India’s commitment to becoming a maritime powerhouse, aligning with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat. He highlighted how modernizing ports, reducing inefficiencies, and adopting smart infrastructure will fuel India’s economic growth and global trade leadership.
The Union Minister also announced that India Maritime Week will be held from October 27-31, 2025, in Mumbai, celebrating ‘Maritime Virasat’ and ‘Maritime Vikaas’. The event will include the 4th Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) and 2nd Sagarmanthan Conference, with participation from 100 countries and 100,000 delegates.
The meeting also focused on revitalizing India’s shipbuilding sector, with discussions on the ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund, the Ship Breaking Credit Note Scheme, and capital investment in shipbuilding clusters. Shri Sonowal underscored that India aims to become a top 10 shipbuilding nation by 2030, leveraging technology, financial reforms, and global partnerships.
Shri Sonowal also launched the National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping (NCoEGPS) website, aimed at promoting sustainable port operations, reducing carbon footprints, and adopting cleaner fuels.
Concluding his remarks, Shri Sonowal said that India’s Blue Economy is key to job creation, trade expansion, and sustainable growth, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to making India’s maritime sector world-class, efficient, and future-ready.
Source – PIB
