India accelerates investments in ports, waterways, shipbuilding to achieve Viksit Bharat 2047 goals: Sonowal
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said India is stepping up investments in ports, inland waterways and shipbuilding as the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) advances its roadmap towards Viksit Bharat 2047, with a strong emphasis on capacity expansion, private sector participation, digitalisation and maritime manufacturing
Chairing a high-level review of the Ministry's Viksit Bharat targets, Sonowal directed officials to fast-track the implementation of flagship projects while ensuring strict adherence to timelines. He urged the Ministry, major ports and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to adopt a coordinated approach to achieve India's long-term maritime goals. He noted that India has become the world's largest ship recycling nation, while inland waterways cargo has surpassed 200 million tonnes, achieving the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 target well ahead of schedule.
The minister said these milestones reflect the country's ability to deliver when policy, execution and teamwork move together. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the maritime sector has become a key driver of India's economic transformation. He said ‘we must continue to work with the same sense of purpose, uphold the Prime Minister's mantra of ‘Speed and Scale’, and ensure that every milestone under Viksit Bharat 2047 is delivered on time’.
He also called on officials to strengthen institutional resilience by incorporating lessons from global disruptions into future planning. The evolving geopolitical situation has shown that resilience is as important as growth. Every challenge offers an opportunity to build stronger systems, enhance capacity and prepare India for the future. He said ‘our planning must anticipate global uncertainties while keeping India's growth trajectory firmly on course’.
