NEW DELHI
India has become the world’s leading ship recycling nation by gross tonnage, according to Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. He said this achievement shows the country’s strong focus on safe and environment-friendly maritime practices.
Speaking at the inauguration of Goa’s new Captain of Ports Terminal Building in Panaji, Sonowal said the Rs 48.87-crore project will improve maritime administration, vessel monitoring, navigation, and sustainable development. The building, developed by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation, covers more than 4,405 square metres and replaces the old office.
The minister said the new facility represents Goa’s maritime identity and its vision for modernization and people-focused growth. He added that India’s ports have nearly doubled their capacity, while vessel turnaround time has fallen from ninety-five hours to forty-one hours.
India’s seafaring workforce now exceeds 3.23 lakh, coastal cargo movement has more than doubled, cruise passenger traffic has increased over fourfold, and operational National Waterways have expanded from three to thirty-two.
Sonowal praised the Goa Government for leading maritime reforms and becoming the first state to implement the Inland Vessels Act, 2021. He said the proposed Goa Maritime Board, the Goa Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy, and the Maritime Master Plan will further strengthen the state’s maritime sector.
He also highlighted infrastructure projects worth over Rs 1,300 crore completed at Mormugao Port Authority since 2014, while projects exceeding Rs 2,000 crore are underway. The proposed Goa Water Metro project has also received Phase-One implementation priority. The event concluded with leaders expressing confidence that these developments will create stronger ports, better transport, new opportunities, sustainable progress, and lasting economic growth for future generations across India.