Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced a plan to generate 50,000 jobs in the northeastern maritime sector over the next decade. The initiative includes training 5,000 youth annually at the Maritime Skill Development Centre in Guwahati, emphasizing the government’s commitment to empowering youth with world-class maritime skills aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will embark on a crucial five-day official trip to Norway and Denmark starting June 2. Leading a Team India delegation, he will attend a High-level Meeting on Oceans at the Nor-Shipping event, where he will inaugurate the ‘India Pavilion’ and promote the upcoming ‘India Maritime Week 2025’.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced an additional Rs 1,000 crore for inland waterways projects in Assam and the Northeast, aiming for completion by 2026. He emphasized the development of maritime skills for the local workforce and reviewed key infrastructure projects along the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, enhancing regional transportation and tourism.
The Lok Sabha passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 on March 28, 2025, to modernize provisions governing the carriage of goods by sea and simplify maritime regulations. The bill replaces the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, aligning with international conventions for bills of lading.
Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways in India, visited Tuas Port in Singapore during Singapore Maritime Week. PSA International welcomed the delegation and showcased advanced operations. This visit highlights the strong presence of PSA in India and the collaborative efforts between India and Singapore in the maritime sector.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is set to visit Singapore for three days to participate in the ‘Singapore Maritime Week’, aiming to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Singapore. Scheduled meetings with Singaporean counterparts and top maritime leaders will focus on unlocking opportunities in the industry and navigating global trends.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced the manufacturing of a 1 MW electrolyzer by L&T for a green hydrogen plant at Kandla’s DEENDAYAL Port Authority. This project, part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aims to establish Kandla as a green hydrogen hub, ultimately scaling capacity to 10 MW by 2025.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal stressed the importance of creating a favorable environment to attract private investment in the maritime sector. The government is focusing on infrastructure development and skilled manpower to make the sector more appealing to investors. Sonowal highlighted the advantages of cost-effective transportation and environmental friendliness in the maritime sector.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the Vadhvan port near Mumbai aims to position India among the top 10 container ports by 2034. Developed through a public-private partnership, the port will enhance cargo capacity and significantly contribute to GDP growth. Sonowal also discussed initiatives for green hydrogen hubs and domestic shipbuilding.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated projects worth nearly Rs 2,000 crores to boost capacity at India’s largest port, JNP. With plans to reach 10 million TEUs by 2027, developments like solar-powered boats and new terminals aim to increase efficiency and safety. Partnerships and investments are driving infrastructure growth, aligning with the government’s vision.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has unveiled ambitious plans for capacity expansion at Kandla Port, with investments exceeding Rs 57,000 crore. This includes a new mega shipbuilding project worth Rs 30,000 crores and a cargo terminal outside Kandla Creek costing Rs 27,000 crores, aimed at boosting the port’s capacity by an additional 135 MTPA.
The Lok Sabha introduced the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 to revolutionize India’s maritime industry. Led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the bill aims to expand vessel ownership, enhance security measures, promote international trade, and ensure environmental protection. This legislative move highlights the government’s commitment to modernizing and strengthening India’s maritime presence.
India is on track to become a global maritime leader, with plans to boost cargo handling capacity and develop a strong shipbuilding industry. Minister Sonowal predicts India will be a top ten maritime nation by 2047. Infrastructure projects like a desalination plant and dredging aim to enhance port capabilities and efficiency.
The Government of India is investing Rs 1,010 crore in developing Brahmaputra and Barak rivers in Assam, focusing on infrastructure for inland waterways, tourism, and transportation. Projects include slipway construction, terminals, and a religious tourism circuit, aiming to enhance connectivity and economic growth. Maintenance dredging and operational measures will ensure safe navigation for vessels.
At the India Economic Summit 2024, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled plans for the world’s largest port, signaling a transformative era in India’s maritime sector. He highlighted the Sagarmala Program’s role in reducing container turnaround times and boosting India’s global shipping standing, emphasizing the economic potential of revitalizing waterways.
