Participation of Private Sector Essential for Strengthening Ports Says Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
A Vision for India’s Maritime Future: Union Minister Sonowal Champions Private Sector Partnership
Mumbai, India – Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, today underscored the absolutely critical role of the private sector in strengthening India’s ports – a vital cornerstone of the nation’s economic growth and strategic vision. Addressing the 36th anniversary celebration of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai, Mr. Sonowal hailed JNPA as a resounding success, representing a historic achievement of handling 10 million TEUs of cargo – a testament to the significant contribution of private sector involvement. He passionately emphasized that this success is a direct reflection of India’s ambition to become a global maritime powerhouse.
The Amrit Kaal Vision: A Global Outlook
Mr. Sonowal emphasized a broader, compelling vision: “Vocal for Local and Local to Global.” He underscored the Prime Minister’s emphasis on ‘Vocal for Local and Local to Global’ – a paradigm shift aiming for India to lead the way in maritime innovation and trade. He stressed the importance of expanding opportunities across the nation’s port infrastructure, directly aligning with the Prime Minister’s goals. The Union Minister also highlighted the importance of ports as hubs for industrial development, mentioning the Vadhvan Port’s ambitious target of completion within 10 years, with the first phase slated for the next five, showcasing India’s commitment to investing in its maritime capabilities.
Private Sector Contributions: A Cornerstone of Success
The Minister explicitly acknowledged the vital role of private entities, specifically highlighting the contributions of JNPA itself. He credited JNPA’s success as a direct result of strong, collaborative efforts across all stakeholders, including private players, who tirelessly assisted in achieving this remarkable milestone. He underscored that securing these milestones is a direct result of the collaborative spirit and vision.
Key MoU Celebrations and Strategic Investments
A significant part of the celebration focused on the signing of two crucial Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. (VPPL) and Sahyadri Farms, promising to develop the skills of rural youth, farmers, and farm produce companies through targeted training programs. This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to economic empowerment through education and skills development. Furthermore, the MoU with Rural Enhancers Projects Pvt. Ltd. will facilitate the development of a terminal at Vadhvan Port, enhancing its capacity to handle container, bulk, and liquid cargo. This expansion underscores the strategic intent to create a ‘Safe, Smart, and Sustainable’ maritime sector.
JNPA’s Leadership and Vision
Chairperson of JNPA, Unmesh Wagh, delivered a powerful statement, emphasizing the significance of JNPA’s secure marks in all 11 parameters outlined in the Prime Minister’s Vision for Amrit Kaal @ 2047. He underscored the importance of port-led industrialisation as a driver of economic growth and the necessity of fostering a robust ‘Safe, Smart, and Sustainable’ maritime sector in India. He highlighted the vital role of ports in facilitating this evolution.
A Collaborative Effort – The 36 Years, 36 Milestones Book
The event culminated with the unveiling of a remarkable ‘36 Years, 36 Milestones’ coffee table book, showcasing JNPA’s rich history and future trajectory. Various terminals, stakeholders, and employees were recognized for their contributions during the year 2024-25.
Navigating the Oil Spill – A Commitment to Safety
The Minister addressed the media regarding the ongoing situation with the oil spill off the coast of Kerala, reassuring the public that the ministry is diligently monitoring the situation and coordinating closely with relevant authorities. He stressed the Director General of Shipping’s instructions, underscoring a commitment to protect marine life and the environment, further emphasizing the priority placed on this vital aspect.
Looking Ahead: A Partnership for Progress
Mr. Sonowal concluded, “The future of India’s maritime strength depends on our collective commitment to fostering a dynamic ecosystem where the private sector and government collaborate. We must work together to realize the incredible potential of India’s ports, creating jobs, driving innovation, and securing our nation’s economic prosperity.”