Centre aims to expand port capacity to nearly 10,000 MTPA by 2047

IANS April 4, 2025 182 views

The Indian government is embarking on a transformative maritime strategy to significantly expand its port infrastructure by 2047. By introducing innovative programs like the Green Tug Transition Programme and Sagarmala, the nation aims to become a global maritime leader. The plan involves developing deeper ports, increasing private sector participation, and adopting environmentally sustainable technologies. With 234 projects underway and a vision to grow port capacity from 2,600 to 10,000 MTPA, India is positioning itself as a strategic maritime hub.

"Sagarmala programme aims to harness India's strategic maritime potential" - Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
New Delhi, April 4: The government on Friday said it aims to expand port capacity from about 2,600 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to nearly 10,000 MTPA by 2047, positioning the nation as a leading maritime power.

Key Points

1

Expand port capacity from 2,600 to 10,000 MTPA by 2047

2

Launch Green Tug Transition Programme to reduce carbon emissions

3

Implement 234 infrastructure projects across coastal states

The key to this strategy is developing new ports with deeper drafts, increasing draft of the existing ports, establishing port clusters and transshipment hubs, developing automated ports, increasing private sector involvement and enhancing policy support, said Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The government has introduced several legislative reforms to enhance India's maritime capabilities, said Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

The ministry has launched the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) which aims to reduce carbon emissions and minimise environmental impact by encouraging adoption of environmentally sustainable tugboat operations.

Additionally, the government has launched the ‘HaritSagar’ guidelines for major ports and ‘Harit Nauka’ guidelines for inland vessels which aim to promote the adoption of greener technologies.

Under the modernisation pillar of ‘Sagarmala’ programme, 234 projects at the cost of around Rs 2.91 lakh crore have been undertaken for implementation across Coastal states/UTs.

Out of these, 103 projects worth Rs 32,634 crore have been completed and 56 projects worth Rs 74,744 crore are under implementation.

There are a total of 101 projects of Ministry under PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. All of these are only infrastructure projects related to port and waterways development.

Sagarmala programme is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to promote port-led development in the country through harnessing India’s 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes.

There was a total of 839 projects worth Rs 5.79 lakh crores included in the Sagarmala Programme. These are categorised into five pillars – port modernisation, port connectivity, port-led industrialisation, coastal community development, and coastal shipping and inland water transport, the minister said.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is an ambitious plan! India's maritime sector has so much potential. The focus on green initiatives like GTTP and HaritSagar is especially commendable. 🌱 Let's hope the execution matches the vision.
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the long-term vision, I'm concerned about the environmental impact of such massive port expansions. The green guidelines are good, but will they be strictly enforced? We've seen too many projects compromise on environmental safeguards.
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Amit S.
Finally some focus on our waterways! The 7,500 km coastline is our hidden economic asset. More ports + better connectivity = more jobs and trade opportunities 💪
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Sunita R.
The numbers sound impressive (10,000 MTPA!) but I'd like to see more details about how this will benefit local coastal communities. Development shouldn't just be about big numbers but also about improving lives.
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Vikram J.
As someone in logistics, this is game-changing news! Automated ports and better connectivity will reduce our shipping costs and time. Hope they stick to the timelines though - infrastructure projects often get delayed.
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Neha P.
Interesting to see the private sector involvement angle. Public-private partnerships could bring in much-needed efficiency and innovation to our ports. But transparency in these deals will be crucial.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Maritime Expansion Port Development Sagarmala Programme Sarbananda Sonowal Green Maritime Technologies Infrastructure Growth
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