Sarbananda Sonowal delivered an address at the Chintan Baithak of the Ministry here today. The Union Minister called on officials to lead with purpose, innovation and reform-driven thinking to drive India’s maritime transformation and repurpose the Maritime Ecosystem for Viksit Bharat by 2047.
“This Baithak reminds us that reform begins not with a directive, but with dialogue,” Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, urging all departments to align their work with the spirit of national ambition.
Over the past decade, the Ministry has led significant developments across India’s maritime sector. Under the Sagarmala Programme, more than 800 projects have been identified to reduce logistics costs and unlock port-led growth. The implementation of the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 has provided ports with greater financial and operational autonomy, enhancing global competitiveness.
“The visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has inspired us to reimagine and reform India’s maritime sector by replacing archaic, colonial-era policies with a modern, future-ready framework,” said Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. “Through our Ministry’s sustained efforts, we are aligning our maritime governance with global standards, enabling efficiency, sustainability, and strategic growth. These reforms are not just policy updates—they are bold steps towards building an Atmanirbhar Bharat and realising the larger national vision of Viksit Bharat.”
Cruise tourism has gained momentum. Inland waterway operations under the Jal Marg Vikas Project are also progressing, offering multimodal transport alternatives to traditional road and rail routes. India is also making strides in sustainable shipping. Initiatives such as shore power, LNG bunkering and energy-efficient vessels reflect the country’s commitment to global decarbonisation. International outreach has expanded through India’s active role in the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS), Indian Maritime Week (IMW) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The Minister stressed the need to strengthen institutional capacity. Key focus areas include digitising clearances, modernising human resources, expediting port corporatization and improving dispute resolution mechanisms. “Aligning India’s maritime standards with global benchmarks remains a priority,” Shri Sonowal underlined.
Calling the Baithak a forum for open exchange, the Minister encouraged officers to share field-level insights, challenges and solutions. “India’s maritime resurgence is no longer a vision—it is a movement,” Shri Sonowal said. “Every official, every decision, contributes to our national progress. Lead not by precedent, but by purpose. Let us be the Ministry that sets benchmarks—not only for infrastructure, but for imagination,” Shri Sonowal urged the officials of the ministry.
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