Sonowal reviews GMIS 2023 projects; directs stakeholders for faster execution

New Delhi: Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday chaired a mid-term review meeting to assess 162 port projects with an investment outlay of Rs 1 trillion signed during GMIS 2023. He said that the ministry has set up a monthly review committee to measure the progress of the projects inked during GMIS 2023.

“After a tremendous outcome at the GMIS, 2023, where we successfully closed 360 MoUs with an investment of Rs.10 trillion, it is now time for their speedy and smooth execution. We are setting up a monthly review mechanism to keep a tab on the progress of all these initiatives as well as timely review of Maritime India Vision 2030 as well as Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047", Sonowal said.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are focussing on scale and speed of achievements in the Sagarmala programme", he added.

After the meeting, the minister briefed media about the progress of several projects being carried out by various port authorities.

Green Hydrogen Hub

Deendayal Port Authority is setting up Green Hydrogen Hubs in which port has received prominent responses from 13 prospective developers against Global EoI. A total of more than 7 MMTPA capacity green Ammonia production has been offered by prospective Developers. The offered development will cater to the domestic and international demand of 1.4 MMTPA of Green Hydrogen.

VO Chidambaranar Port Authority has earmarked 500 acres of land for Green Hydrogen Hub. MoU has been signed between VoCPA and NGEL (Subsidiary of NTPC) for installation of Green Hydrogen/ Derivative Production Facility. Proposal for Grant for developing the common infrastructure to support the green Hydrogen Projects has been submitted to MNRE.

GMIS 2023 opened an ocean of opportunities

During GMIS 2023 a total of 360 MoUs were signed with a total value of Rs. 8.35 Lac Crore and along with the Investible Projects of Rs. 1.68 Lac Crore, the total monetary value was more than Rs 10 Lac Crore. The themes of the various MoUs are Green Initiatives worth Rs.3.8 Lac Crore; Port Modernization worth Rs 1.5 Lac Crore; Port Led Industrialization worth Rs 0.75 Lac Crore; Trade & Business worth Rs 0.70 Lakh Crore; Knowledge exchange and Innovation, Ship Repair etc. worth Rs 1.6 Lakh Crore.

The discussion on major port projects, including Vadhavan Port, Multi Cargo Berths at Tuna Tekra, International and Domestic Cruise Terminals, and the Development of Outer Harbour at VoCPA, marked the beginning of the meeting.

Sonowal urged ports to be global leaders

Sonowal urged ports to make optimal efforts to secure a spot in the top 25 World Port Ranking, emphasizing that remaining competitive requires improving positions in the annual "Global Ranking" published by the World Bank. All ports and agencies under the Ministry were directed to showcase their "Green Initiatives" on international and relevant forums. In FY-2022-23, a total of 177 projects were completed at Major Ports, while currently, 162 projects are at various stages of implementation with an investment exceeding Rs 1 Lakh Crore.

Currently, 800+ projects are worth more than Rs 5.74+ lakh Crore are being monitored under the Sagarmala Programme, for implementation by 2035. Out of these, 237 projects worth Rs 1.22 Lakh Crore have already completed 262 projects worth Rs 2.44 lakh Crore are under implementation and 310 projects worth Rs 2.08 Lakh Crore are under various stages of development.

Development of coastal districts

Further, under holistic development of coastal districts, a total of 567 projects with an estimated cost of around Rs 58,000 Crore have been identified. Under the Sagarmala Programme, 94 Projects worth Rs 31,597 Crore have been completed resulting in capacity addition of more than 230 MTPA.

Over the last 9 years, the number of seafarers has increased by 140%. In 2014, the total count of active Indian Seafarers was 117,090 which is 280,000 in 2023. The Directorate General of Shipping had approximately 1,699 women seafarers registered in 2014 which has now increased in 2023 to 10,440 reflecting an increase of 514% in the registered women Indian Seafarers.

Third Dry Dock Project at CSL

The Third Dry Dock Project at Cochin Shipyard Limited with a total cost of Rs. 1,799 Crore will serve dual purposes i.e., ship building and ship repair. Once completed this dock is capable of handling capsize and suez max vessels, 174K LNGC, Oil Rigs and Semi Subs & Large Aircraft carriers. An International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) worth Rs 970 Crore is also being built. CSL is also building “Zero Emission, Zero Noise Vessel” with home grown technology.

With a vision of people to people connect between India and Sri-Lanka an international ferry service was flagged off from Nagapattinam, India to Kenkesanthurai, Sri Lanka on 14th October. A fair-weather vessel was engaged by Shipping Corporation of India for this international ferry service. HSC Cheriyapani successfully completed 4 round voyages between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai on October 14, 16, 18, 20, 2023 safely and has catered to the requirements of passengers of both countries.

Jal Marg Vikas Project

The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) is being implemented with the technical and financial assistance of the World Bank at a revised cost of Rs. 4,633.81 crore for the capacity augmentation of National Waterway-I (river Ganga) to enable movement of 1500-2000 tonne vessels. For development of IWT infrastructure in the North-East Region, Govt. sanctioned projects at a total cost of Rs. 1010 Crore including comprehensive development of NW-2 (the Brahmaputra).

Projects for construction of elevated road for enhancing connectivity of Multi-Modal Terminal Pandu and construction of only inland ship repair facility are also approved and under implementation. Development of 16 more NWs have been approved worth Rs. 267 Crore for the period 2022-23 to 2025-26 by the Government. To boost green technology, a proposal for electric propelled technology vessels and hydrogen powered catamaran pax has also been made.

Lighthouse Tourism

DGLL to promote lighthouse tourism 75 Lighthouses have been earmarked in which tourism facilities are scheduled to be completed by December 2023. The Coffee Table Book of these 75 lighthouses will be launched by PM Modi in January 2024.

Over the years, the Indian maritime sector witnessed a remarkable transformation because of the strong efforts of the government, industry stakeholders and the unwavering support of our maritime community. MoPSW has embarked on a journey of progress, embracing technological advancements, improving infrastructure, enhancing efficiency, and fostering a conducive business environment.

The programs and reform initiatives have been instrumental in enhancing port capacity, facilitating port-led industrialization, enhancing coastal shipping, reviving inland waterways, and making India Atmanirbhar in shipbuilding, repair & recycling. Today’s review meeting held under the leadership of Shri Sonowal has provided the roadmap for better performance of the Ministry and its subsidiaries.

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