New Delhi, Oct 15 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced on Wednesday the initiation of 840 projects under the Sagarmala programme which aim to channel investments totaling Rs 5.8 lakh crore by 2035, enhancing the growth of India's maritime sector.

Among these, 272 projects worth Rs 1.41 lakh crore have already reached completion, while 217 projects, amounting to Rs 1.65 lakh crore, are in progress.

During the launch of the golden jubilee celebrations for New Mangalore Port (NMPA) at Bharat Mandapam, the minister introduced eight significant maritime development projects designed to bolster India's port infrastructure, logistics efficiency, and sustainability. These initiatives include a cutting-edge cruise terminal, modern storage facilities, a 150-bed multi-specialty hospital, expanded truck terminals, and upgraded port access infrastructure to enhance user experience and operational capacity.

Additionally, Sonowal unveiled a commemorative postal stamp, a commemorative coin, and the official Golden Jubilee Anthem of the NMPA, celebrating the port's five decades of contributions to India's maritime trade and regional growth.

"Today signifies a significant milestone for all of us. Established in 1975, the New Mangalore Port, our ninth major port, has transformed into a vital hub for local importers and exporters. From handling only a few thousand tonnes of cargo in its early years, it managed to handle 46.01 million tonnes last financial year, with a total capacity of 104 million tonnes per annum. A new deep-draft general cargo berth is currently under construction and will soon commence operations," he remarked.

Reflecting on India's long-term aspirations, Sonowal stated: "As we advance towards 'Viksit Bharat 2047' under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our ports will be instrumental in achieving the ambitious target of transforming India into a $30 trillion economy. To realize a 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', we must also evolve into a Viksit Atmanirbhar Maritime Nation by 2047."

The minister emphasized the importance of sustainable and environmentally conscious growth, praising NMPA’s initiatives towards green operations.

"Economic growth should not compromise ecology and the environment. The green initiatives undertaken by NMPA are commendable. The port has adopted sustainability as a core principle, continuously integrating environmentally friendly practices into its operations," he noted.

Furthermore, the minister highlighted India's Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aligns with the Blue Economy principles, outlining a long-term strategy to enhance India's maritime capabilities, with planned investments of Rs 80 lakh crore expected to create millions of jobs through the Sagarmala Programme.

The Golden Jubilee of NMPA will be celebrated later this year, commemorating 50 years of the port's significant role in advancing India's maritime trade and regional development.