India’s maritime sector is buzzing with big changes, aiming to turn the country into a global powerhouse by 2047. The government is pouring in massive investments, building modern ports, and pushing green practices to boost the economy while keeping the environment in mind. This all ties into Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal shared exciting updates during a recent event. Under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, India expects to draw in Rs 80 lakh crore in investments. This could create over 1.5 crore jobs and speed up eco-friendly shipping. “India’s maritime growth is all about prosperity, sustainability, and celebrating our rich heritage,” Sonowal said.
Every step—from smarter ports to digital tools—shows Modi’s focus on blending economic power with responsibility towards nature. The Blue Economy in India is set for a huge Rs 80 lakh crore push, along with those 1.5 crore jobs, thanks to this bold Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision.
At the heart of this transformation is the Sagarmala programme, a government flagship initiative. It includes 840 projects worth Rs 5.8 lakh crore, all lined up for completion by 2035. So far, 272 projects costing Rs 1.41 lakh crore are already done. A standout is the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, with a Rs 76,000 crore budget. Experts predict it will rank among the world’s top 10 container ports and generate 12 lakh jobs.
Indian ports are getting faster too. Major ones now handle ships in just 0.9 days, beating global leaders like the US, Germany, and Singapore. Plus, nine Indian ports made it to the world’s top 100 list—proof that efficiency is on the rise.
Sonowal emphasized how policy changes are making things investor-friendly. After talks with stakeholders and embracing cooperative federalism, the government rolled out five key laws. These reshape the maritime landscape, creating a business-savvy, eco-conscious, and world-standard framework. The Rs 25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund is a game-changer, offering incentives for shipbuilding, infrastructure support for big vessels, and tax perks for inland ones. All this ramps up India’s competitiveness on the global stage.
He credited Modi for the shift: “From the ‘no vision’ days of the UPA era, our PM has gifted us two grand plans—the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. These guide our strategy to supercharge the sector and help build a Viksit Bharat economy.”
Kerala is stealing the spotlight in this maritime boom. The Vizhinjam International Seaport, up and running since 2024, is India’s first fully automated transshipment hub. It has already managed 10.6 lakh TEUs and close to 500 ships. Nearby, Cochin Shipyard—the makers of INS Vikrant—is expanding its role in shipbuilding and repairs worldwide.
“Kerala is anchoring India’s dream of becoming a maritime superpower by 2047,” Sonowal noted. Cochin Port’s Vallarpadam terminal is gearing up for more growth to handle increasing cargo. Through Sagarmala, Kerala is tackling 54 projects worth Rs 24,000 crore, with 20 already finished. These include upgraded fishing harbors in Kochi, Kannur, and Thrissur, directly helping thousands of local fishermen. It’s all about tapping Kerala’s maritime strengths to achieve national excellence.
Don’t miss the Kochi Water Metro, Asia’s biggest water transport network. It uses 78 electric-hybrid boats to link 10 island communities, making city travel smoother and greener. Kerala’s waterways are turning into economic hubs too. National Waterway 3 and Kochi’s International Cruise Terminal are opening doors for tourism and logistics. The terminal has welcomed 105 cruise ships and 1.4 lakh passengers in just three years.
Looking ahead, India Maritime Week 2025 will kick off in Mumbai this October. Sonowal invited global partners to join discussions on hot topics like cutting carbon emissions, strengthening supply chains, cybersecurity, and sustainable shipping. This could spark new investments and collaborations.
“A new era of maritime glory is here,” Sonowal declared. “Kerala’s wins show how we can mix tradition with tech, history with innovation, to rise as a maritime superpower and realize Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
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