The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) organised a two-day ‘Chintan Shivir, 2025’ in Srinagar last week with a vision to evaluate, reset, discover and apply solutions to unlock potential of the Blue Economy of India. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, reviewed the ongoing projects of the Ministry — worth Rs 2 trillion — and drew up a goal, after consultative deliberation with the experts, of completing at least 150 projects by September 2025.
The event focused on strengthening India’s shipbuilding and repair capabilities, improving financial and digital solutions for maritime infrastructure and pushing for a greener, more sustainable shipping industry. Emphasis was laid on achieving targets set out in Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047. Major announcements were made at the Chintan Shivir in this regard as outlined below:
* A total of 150 initiatives/projects were identified for completion within the next six months, with a deadline set for September 6, 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 1 Green Tug within the next 3 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 1st 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 3 National Waterways in Jammu & 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.
* 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. The government’s maritime infrastructure development strategy aligns with Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi’s vision for India to emerge as a global maritime powerhouse.
Said Mr Sarbananda Sonowal on the occasion: “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s maritime sector has witnessed remarkable growth. Our commitment to transforming ports and waterways remains unwavering. Chintan Shivir 2025 is a crucial platform to set new benchmarks, review targets and ensure that this sector continues to drive economic progress. At this Chintan Shivir, we have made remarkable progress as we have charted the map for the growth of maritime sector of the country towards realisation of the goal of Viksit Bharat. Innovative programmes like Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative with Maritime Innovation Hubs, Harbour Craft Green Transition Program, Sagarmala Digital Centre of Excellence, among others, will be set up to amp up efficiency in the sector. With an aim to realise the vision of PM Narendra Modiji’s Atmanirbhar Bharat, we have decided to set up Bharat Container Shipping Line. India is poised to be among the top 5 shipbuilding countries in the world by 2047. We are aiming to expand the shipbuilding industry to be able to construct ships with an additional Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 4 million tons.”
IWAI MoU
One of the highlights of Chintan Shivir 2025 was the signing of a MoU between the IWAI and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to boost river cruise tourism in the State. The IWAI, the nodal agency for development of national waterways in the country, will develop inland waterways ecosystem on three National Waterways of Jammu and Kashmir. An investment of Rs 100 crore will be made to develop infrastructure for smooth transportation on River Chenab (NW-26), River Jhelum (NW-49) and River Ravi (NW-84). This initiative seeks to enhance tourism, create jobs and drive economic growth in the region.
“Chintan is not merely about projects and proposals, Chintan is not merely about facts and figures, Chintan is not merely about debates and discourses, Chintan is not merely about reviews and reports. Chintan should also be about gratefulness and gratitude, Chintan should also be about remembrances and recognition. Chintan should not only be about future roadmaps, Chintan should also be about past relationships,” Mr Sonowal emphasised.
Adopting the new
The Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mr Shantanu Thakur, stressed on the importance of taking ideas beyond discussions—embracing digitalisation, AI-driven efficiency and global best practices to build a world class maritime industry. He said, “One of our proudest achievements is the 320% increase in inland waterway cargo movement since 2014. This is a significant step toward more affordable, eco-friendly and efficient transportation. Under Sagarmala, we have modernised port infrastructure, developed multimodal connectivity and enhanced ease of doing business for the maritime industry”.
The second day of the Chintan Shivir further built on these conversations, focusing on upcoming infrastructure projects in ports, shipping, shipbuilding, inland waterways and policy reforms in the sector. Sessions during the Shivir explored strategies to make port operations more seamless and efficient, with discussions on improving port connectivity with the hinterlands.
Mr Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the event, joined by Minister of State Mr Shantanu Thakur, Secretary Mr T. K. Ramachandran, senior officials of the Ministry, and representatives from key maritime organisations. The discussions majorly centred on strengthening India’s shipbuilding and repair capabilities, enhancing financial and digital solutions for maritime infrastructure and advancing green shipping initiatives. The event was aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, said a release.
Source: Exim News Service: New Delhi, March 10