The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways plays a vital role in strengthening the country’s domestic and foreign trade and commerce. In terms of volume, about 95 per cent of India’s trade with foreign countries is carried through its ports. Yet, India’s share in global deadweight tonnage (the total weight of the ship, including all the cargo carried, including fuel and water, as well as its own weight) is just over 10 per cent.
The government is trying to boost this through the Sagarmala programme, taking advantage of the 75,000 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potential river transport and its strategic location on important international maritime trade routes. The results are visible – India has moved up from 44th in 2014 to 22nd in the international shipment category.
The importance of the ministry can be gauged from the fact that in the middle of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections, Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited Iran’s Chabahar port and attended the signing ceremony of India-Iran’s important project- Long Term Main Contract. This project will serve as a trade route to connect India with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries amid the ongoing wars in Ukraine and West Asia.
What needs to be done
upgrading infrastructure – The average container dwell time and turnaround time at Indian ports is better than many developed countries like the US, Australia, Singapore and Germany, yet the existing infrastructure needs to be upgraded urgently.
Local productions – There is an urgent need to boost the local shipbuilding ecosystem to replace the ageing commercial fleet.
Inland waterways – Inland waterways need greater focus to complement the overburdened railways and congested roads.
Green Initiatives – The use of alternative fuel technologies for ships, as outlined in the Green Port Guidelines 2023, should be a priority to achieve the goal of zero carbon emissions.
Who is responsible for this?
Sarbananda Sonowal, 61 years: BJP
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
early life – Born in Dibrugarh district of Assam, Sonowal has a degree in law and mass communication.
Political journey – He single-handedly fought the legal battle to rid Assam of the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act 1983, which made him a Jatiya Nayak (Hero of Assam). He was the first BJP Chief Minister of the state. His holding this portfolio since 2021 shows that the Prime Minister has faith in his work.
Yoga Lover Former bodybuilder and cricketer, unmarried minister practices yoga daily
state Minister
Shantanu Thakur, 41 years: BJP
The power of community The son of former Bengal minister Manjul Krishna Thakur, he belongs to the politically powerful Matua Dalit (Scheduled Caste) community. He was first inducted into the Modi Cabinet in 2021 and retains the same portfolio. In 2019, he became the first non-Trinamool leader to be elected from Bongaon.