Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled inauguration of multiple development projects in Bhavnagar tomorrow, a major milestone was achieved today with the signing of 27 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at accelerating growth in India’s maritime sector. The agreements, focusing on shipbuilding, port yards, shipbreaking, and related industries, were signed in the presence of Union Ministers and prominent officials, signaling a robust push toward strengthening the country’s maritime infrastructure and global competitiveness.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted the transformative journey under PM Modi’s leadership, emphasizing India’s rising stature as a global maritime power. “With the right programs, vision, and direction, India has awakened and is advancing rapidly,” Sonowal said. He noted the success of flagship initiatives like Sagarmala in elevating India’s ports and logistics sectors to international standards, further propelled by multi-modal connectivity and transparent policies.
Sonowal expressed optimism about the future, stating that the MoUs signed today will translate into tangible outcomes. He reaffirmed confidence in India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and India Vision 2030 goals, which aim to place the country among the top 10 shipbuilding nations worldwide.
Addressing the Samudra Se Samriddhi event, Union Minister of Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya recalled India’s glorious maritime history and its bright future. He remarked, “Whoever ruled the seas, ruled the world,” underscoring India’s ancient empires that thrived on overseas trade. Mandaviya proudly highlighted that India is uniquely honored with an ocean named after it—the Indian Ocean—symbolizing its enduring maritime legacy. He further stated that the new MoUs, covering shipbreaking, shipyards, and repair sectors, will bring revolutionary changes to India’s shipping industry.
Bhavnagar Lok Sabha MP and Union Minister Nimuben Bambhaniya expressed pride in the upcoming inaugurations and the positive impact the MoUs will have on the local economy. She noted that the shipbuilding projects at Ratanpar, Bhavnagar, are expected to generate significant employment opportunities. Bambhaniya added, “The journey to modernize, make inclusive, and globally competitive India’s maritime sector has begun from Bhavnagar.”
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Bhavnagar Mayor Bharat Bard, MLAs Jitu Vaghani, Gautam Chauhan, Sejalben Pandya, Deendayal Port Authority Chairman Sushilkumar, Gujarat Maritime Board CEO Rajkumar Beniwal, and other key stakeholders.
Tomorrow’s inauguration of these projects by Prime Minister Modi marks a proud moment for Bhavnagar and Gujarat, setting a new course for India’s growth in global trade, job creation, and national development through a strengthened maritime sector.
