Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, yesterday emphasised the essential role of private sector participation in strengthening India’s ports to realise the vision of Amrit Kaal @ 2047. Addressing the 36th anniversary celebration of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai, Mr. Sonowal commended JNPA for its successful 36-year journey, highlighting its achievement as the largest container port in the country, having handled a record 10 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of cargo. He underscored the significant contribution of private entities in assisting JNPA to reach this milestone.
Mr Sonowal advocated for the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local and Local to Global’, calling for a global outlook. He stated that each port in the country is working towards enhancing its capacities across various aspects. He added that the Vadhvan Port is expected to be completed within 10 years, with the first phase anticipated to be completed in the coming five years.
Reiterating India’s aspiration to become one of the top five maritime nations globally, he urged all stakeholders, including private players, to exert all possible efforts to create an ecosystem that invites global participation in India’s maritime journey.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, congratulated JNPA on achieving the landmark of handling 10 million TEUs of cargo. He emphasised the importance of clear, well-maintained, and sustainable ports to boost productivity.
Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, T.K. Ramachandran, noted that JNPA has secured full marks in all 11 parameters outlined in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Amrit Kaal @ 2047. He highlighted the significance of port-led industrialisation and the development of a ‘Safe, Smart, and Sustainable’ maritime sector in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson of JNPA, Unmesh Wagh, highlighted various initiatives undertaken by JNPA in sectors such as green energy, solar power, and the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), among others.
The event also witnessed the signing of two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for the Vadhvan Port Skilling Programme. The first MoU, signed between Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. (VPPL) and Sahyadri Farms, aims to develop the skills of rural youth, farmers, and farm produce companies through targeted training under the skilling programme. The second MoU, signed between VPPL and Rural Enhancers Projects Pvt. Ltd., outlines their intent to participate in the development of a terminal at Vadhvan Port for handling container, bulk, and liquid cargo. Additionally, the event featured the unveiling of the ’36 Years, 36 Milestones’ coffee table book, highlighting JNPA’s journey since its inception. Various terminals, stakeholders, and employees were felicitated on the occasion for the landmarks achieved during the year 2024-25.
Addressing the media regarding the oil spill incident off the coast of Kerala, Mr Sonowal informed that the situation is being continuously monitored, and the ministry is in close coordination with the concerned authorities. The Director General of Shipping has been instructed accordingly, and all necessary steps are being taken to protect marine life and the environment.
