Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has swiftly set a strategic course for his ministry, targeting significant milestones within the first 100 days of the Modi 3.0 Government. This move, initiated shortly after he assumed office, underscores the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency and capacity of India’s maritime sector.
In a comprehensive workshop with officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sonowal reviewed and refined the targets. The meeting, attended by key figures including Secretary TK Ramachandran, joint secretaries, directors, and young professionals, focused on creating a roadmap for modernising India’s port infrastructure. Sonowal articulated the vision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, aiming to position India among the top three global economies. He emphasised the crucial role of MoPSW in this mission, highlighting the need for a network of modern ports to act as catalysts for economic progress and opportunity creation. Sonowal stressed the importance of innovation in building capacity and enhancing performance. He underscored the necessity for the ministry to adopt cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and strategic collaborations to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market.
The workshop discussions led to the identification of several critical initiatives to be prioritised within the 100-day timeframe. These include the modernisation of major ports, increasing the capacity of inland waterways, and promoting maritime education and training. These projects are designed to streamline operations and significantly boost the overall efficiency of the ministry. Sonowal’s directive to prioritise programmes and initiatives reflects his commitment to fostering an environment of collaboration and transparency. This approach is expected to enhance the administrative and managerial efficiency of the ministry, contributing to the broader goal of economic growth.
Highlighting the pivotal role of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways in India’s economic development, Sonowal called for a focus on the ‘Nation First’ principle. He urged the ministry to leverage its unique position to amplify the performance of ports through quality and efficiency. The targets set during this workshop are expected to accelerate progress on key initiatives and improve the operational effectiveness of the ministry. By embracing new technologies and sustainable practices, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways aims to ensure that India’s maritime sector remains competitive and resilient. Sarbananda Sonowal’s proactive approach sets an ambitious yet achievable agenda for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, with a clear focus on modernisation, capacity enhancement, and operational efficiency. This strategic direction not only aligns with national economic goals but also ensures the ministry’s readiness to meet future challenges.
