Government Plans to Boost Port Capacity to 10,000 MTPA by 2047
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Synopsis
On April 4, the Indian government revealed its goal to significantly increase port capacity from around 2,600 MTPA to nearly 10,000 MTPA by 2047, positioning the country as a key maritime power through several innovative strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Increase port capacity to 10,000 MTPA by 2047.
- Develop new ports with deeper drafts.
- Implement Green Tug Transition Programme to reduce emissions.
- Launch ‘HaritSagar’ and ‘Harit Nauka’ guidelines for greener operations.
- 234 projects under Sagarmala program for coastal development.
New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) The government announced on Friday its ambition to increase port capacity from approximately 2,600 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to nearly 10,000 MTPA by the year 2047, aiming to establish the country as a prominent maritime force.
The strategy focuses on the development of new ports with deeper drafts, enhancing the drafts of existing ports, creating port clusters and transshipment hubs, automating port operations, promoting private sector participation, and improving policy frameworks, as stated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted that several legislative reforms have been introduced to strengthen India's maritime capabilities in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
The ministry has initiated the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), which aims to cut down carbon emissions and lessen environmental impacts by promoting the use of eco-friendly tugboat operations.
Moreover, the government has introduced the ‘HaritSagar’ guidelines for major ports and ‘Harit Nauka’ guidelines for inland vessels, which are designed to encourage the integration of greener technologies.
As part of the modernization initiative under the ‘Sagarmala’ program, a total of 234 projects have been undertaken for implementation across coastal states and Union Territories at an estimated cost of around Rs 2.91 lakh crore.
Out of these, 103 projects valued at Rs 32,634 crore have been completed, while 56 projects worth Rs 74,744 crore are currently underway.
The Ministry has a total of 101 projects listed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, all of which are infrastructure projects focused on port and waterways development.
The Sagarmala program is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways aimed at fostering port-led growth in the nation by utilizing India's extensive 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways, and its strategic position on crucial international maritime trade routes.
In total, the Sagarmala Programme includes 839 projects valued at Rs 5.79 lakh crores, categorized into five pillars: port modernization, port connectivity, port-led industrialization, coastal community development, and coastal shipping and inland water transport, the minister elaborated.
