Andaman & Nicobar: India’s ambition to bolster its maritime prowess received a significant boost as Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled ambitious plans to establish world-class ports in Maharashtra and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Emphasizing India’s trajectory towards becoming a global maritime leader under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Sonowal highlighted the strategic imperative of enhancing port infrastructure to accommodate diverse vessel types. The announcement underscores the government’s commitment to transforming India’s port sector into a hub of global significance. By investing in modern infrastructure and leveraging public-private partnerships, the plans seek to optimize operational efficiencies and attract international maritime traffic.
“The development of state-of-the-art port facilities in Maharashtra and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands marks a pivotal step towards enhancing India’s maritime capabilities,” stated Sonowal. These initiatives aim to elevate India’s stature in the international maritime domain by providing seamless access to global shipping routes and fostering economic growth across the East and West coasts. The trial arrival of MV San Fernando, a Maersk Line vessel, at Vizhinjam International Seaport, carrying over 1,000 containers, signifies a critical milestone towards commencing full-scale operations.
Scheduled against the backdrop of ongoing construction since 2015 under Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd. (AVPPL), the port is set to play a pivotal role in facilitating trade and boosting regional economic development. The ongoing development of the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram exemplifies India’s dedication to enhancing port capacities. Developed under a robust public-private partnership model, the port is poised to accommodate significant volumes of cargo, further solidifying India’s maritime ambitions.
