Shri Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), chaired a high-level review meeting with the Chairpersons of India’s Major Ports to assess operational performance, monitor progress on key initiatives and align strategic priorities for strengthening port-led growth and logistics connectivity.
The meeting brought together senior leadership from India’s major port authorities to deliberate on sector performance, operational efficiency, infrastructure development, and future growth drivers. Discussions focused on reinforcing port-led development as a linchpin of the country’s broader maritime and logistics objectives, consistent with the government’s vision for enhanced trade competitiveness and global connectivity.
Key agenda items at the meeting included:
Review of operational performance of Major Ports, including cargo handling volumes, vessel turnaround times and service delivery improvements.
Evaluation of ongoing infrastructure and modernisation projects, including capacity expansion and digital transformation initiatives aimed at improving ease of doing business and supply-chain responsiveness.
Progress assessment of strategic initiatives, such as those under the Sagarmala Programme — the flagship government initiative to promote port-led industrialisation, modernise port infrastructure and optimise coastal shipping corridors.
Enhancement of connectivity and multimodal integration to improve hinterland access and logistics efficiency, facilitating seamless cargo flows between ports, railways, road networks and inland waterways.
Secretary Vijay Kumar emphasised the importance of sustained momentum in project execution and operational excellence. He highlighted the need for collaborative action between port authorities, government agencies and private stakeholders to further enhance competitiveness and customer service standards across the maritime logistics ecosystem.
The meeting also underscored the government’s focus on leveraging ports as growth engines for regional economic development, strengthening international trade linkages, and supporting India’s goals of becoming a global maritime hub.
Background Context
India’s Major Ports sector has been demonstrating robust performance, with cargo handling and throughput showing consistent growth. For instance, in FY 2024-25, major ports recorded significant increases in cargo volumes and container traffic, reflecting their expanding role in global trade and economic activity.
