New Delhi

The 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) meeting in Goa concluded on Friday, marking significant progress for India’s maritime sector. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted the Council’s impact, noting that MSDC has been crucial in shaping policies like the Indian Ports Bill and the Sagarmala program. The Council’s work has addressed key issues among the Central Government, states, and maritime boards, facilitating the growth of over 50 non-major ports, which now handle more than half of India’s cargo.

Sonowal praised the ongoing expansion of India’s maritime infrastructure under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Recent developments include the foundation stone for India’s 13th major port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra, valued at Rs 76,220 crores, and the designation of Galathea Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a major port. This Rs 44,000 crore project, set to be operational by 2029, will help India capture transshipped cargo currently handled abroad.

The two-day MSDC meeting resolved over 80 critical issues related to port modernization, connectivity, maritime tourism, and security. Discussions also covered new challenges, such as creating Places of Refuge for distressed ships and improving port security with radioactive detection equipment. The meeting also introduced a state ranking system to boost competition and performance.

With a vision set by the Sagarmala program, which includes 839 projects and an investment of Rs 5.79 lakh crore by 2035, the MSDC is paving the way for a more robust and competitive maritime sector.