India Accelerates Maritime Capacity Expansion for Viksit Bharat 2047
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is fast-tracking investments in ports, inland waterways, and shipbuilding to achieve Viksit Bharat 2047 goals. A high-level review meeting chaired by Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized 'speed and scale' to meet 2030 maritime targets, highlighting significant progress in cargo transport and ship recycling.
Background
India has set ambitious targets under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Viksit Bharat 2047. The government is focusing on port capacity expansion, shipbuilding, and digitalization as key growth drivers. Recent achievements include surpassing 200 million tonnes of cargo transport via inland waterways and strengthening its position as the world's largest ship recycling country.
Key facts
India aims to add over 700 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity to ports by 2030.
The Vadhavan port will add 164 MTPA capacity by 2030-31.
Tuticorin Outer Harbour project will add 39 MTPA, and Kandla Tuna Tekra terminal will add 33 MTPA by 2027-28.
Inland waterway cargo transport has crossed 200 million tonnes, achieving MIV 2030 target ahead of schedule.
Shipbuilding production has increased by 41% due to new industrial clusters.
India has strengthened its position as the world's largest ship recycling country.
The ministry targets 682 MTPA additional capacity by 2030 through new infrastructure, mechanization, and private investment.
Minister Sonowal called for incorporating lessons from global disruptions to strengthen institutional capacity and resilience.
Prelims pointers
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW)
- Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030
- Viksit Bharat 2047
- Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
- Vadhavan Port
- Tuticorin Outer Harbour
- Kandla Tuna Tekra Terminal
- Ship recycling industry
- MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum)
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of maritime infrastructure in achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.
- Critically examine the government's initiatives to boost port capacity and shipbuilding.
- Analyze the significance of inland waterways in India's logistics and economic growth.