Will continue to strengthen maritime sector, ports: PM Modi

IANS April 5, 2025 137 views

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is championing a comprehensive maritime sector transformation in India. His strategic approach focuses on reviving the country's historical maritime prowess through targeted infrastructure investments. The government has significantly improved port connectivity and cargo handling capabilities over the past decade. Modi's vision emphasizes developing coastal shipping and inland waterways to drive national economic growth and security.

"Ports for prosperity and ports for progress" - PM Narendra Modi
New Delhi, April 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the government will continue to strengthen the country’s maritime sector and ports, which play a crucial role in driving India’s progress and prosperity.

Key Points

1

Doubled cargo handling capacity at major ports

2

Developing coastal shipping infrastructure

3

Strengthening maritime ecosystem through strategic initiatives

4

Promoting domestic maritime participation

In his message to mark the National Maritime Day, PM Modi said, “We recall India’s rich maritime history and the role played by this sector in nation-building. “

The Prime Minister said India was a recognised sea power in earlier times, but the maritime sector was ignored in the period after independence.

However, during the last 10 years New India has achieved several new milestones in the maritime sector and the Government is continuously working to strengthen the country’s maritime ecosystem.

PM Modi pointed out that the cargo handling capacity of the country’s major ports has been doubled over the last 10 years and thousands of kilometres of new roads have been constructed to improve connectivity to ports.

The Prime Minister further stated the government’s mantra of “ports for prosperity and ports for progress” has brought about huge changes in the maritime sector. In addition the new mantra of “ports for productivity” has also been taken forward for the development of maritime infrastructure, he added.

PM Modi highlighted that the government was taking further steps to develop coastal shipping. The statement came in the backdrop of the 'Coastal Shipping Bill' approved by the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

The Bill seeks to regulate vessels engaged in trade within Indian coastal waters. The bill aims to consolidate and amend the law relating to regulation of coastal shipping, promote coastal trade and encourage domestic participation. This Bill will ensure that India is equipped with a coastal fleet, owned and operated by the citizens of the country for its national security and commercial needs.

The Prime Minister further stated that the inland waterways of the country were also being developed as part of the strategy to strengthen India’s maritime sector.

PM Modi pointed out that history has shown whenever India’s maritime sector has been strong both the country and world have reaped benefits. Keeping this crucial fact in mind, the government is continuously working in a planned manner to strengthen the country’s maritime sector, he added.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is fantastic news! Our ports have seen massive improvements in recent years. The Sagarmala project has been a game changer for coastal connectivity. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While I appreciate the focus on maritime development, I hope the government also addresses environmental concerns. Port expansions sometimes damage coastal ecosystems that local communities depend on.
S
Sanjay P.
My uncle works at JNPT and says working conditions have improved significantly in the last decade. Better infrastructure means more efficient operations and safer working environments.
A
Ananya R.
India's maritime history is fascinating! Glad we're reclaiming our position as a sea power. The new Coastal Shipping Bill sounds promising for domestic shipping companies.
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Vikram J.
Doubling cargo handling capacity in 10 years is impressive, but I wonder if we're training enough skilled workers to handle this expanded infrastructure long-term.
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Neha T.
The inland waterways development is underrated! It could revolutionize transportation and reduce road congestion. Hope they implement it well 👏

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

Tags:
Maritime Sector Narendra Modi Coastal Shipping Bill Indian Ports Infrastructure Development
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