The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) organised a two-day ‘Chintan Shivir, 2025’ in Srinagar with a vision to evaluate, reset, discover and apply solutions to unlock potential of the Blue Economy of India. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed undergoing projects of the Ministry — worth Rs 2 Trillion — and drew up a goal, after consultative deliberation with the experts, of completing at least 150 projects by September, 2025. The event focused on strengthening India’s shipbuilding and repair capabilities, improving financial and digital solutions for maritime infrastructure and pushing for a greener, more sustainable shipping industry. Emphasis was laid on achieving targets set out in Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047. Major announcements were made at the Chintan Shivir in this regard as outlined below: • A total of 150 initiatives/projects were identified for completion within the next six months, with a deadline set for September 6, 2025. • The Union Minister reemphasised India’s vision to be among the top 5 shipbuilding nations by 2047, with an additional shipbuilding capacity of 4 million Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT). He directed the formulation of suitable policies and skill development initiatives while encouraging collaboration with the State governments. • The Bharat Container Shipping Line will be established under the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). • All major ports to tender for at least 1 Green Tug within the next 3 months. • The Harbour Craft Green Transition Programme will be launched to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions across Indian ports. • A Coastal Green Shipping Corridor will be established, with the Kandla-Tuticorin corridor being the 1st to be developed in partnership with SCI, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) and V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VoCPA). • Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will invest Rs 1 billion in 3 National Waterways in Jammu & Kashmir, boosting inland water transport and connectivity in the region. • The Decade of Sagarmala Vision will be celebrated in March 2025. • A Sagarmala Startup and Innovation Initiative (S2I2) will be launched, accompanied by the establishment of Maritime Innovation Hubs (MIHs). • India Ports Services (IPSL) will be set up as a national platform for all major ports, providing end-to-end services to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. • The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal to commence commercial operations by April 2025. • The Sagarmala Digital Centre of Excellence (CoE), in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), will be established to drive the digital transformation of the maritime sector. • These initiatives aim to enhance port competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and drive economic growth. The government’s maritime infrastructure development strategy aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India to emerge as a global maritime powerhouse. Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s maritime sector has witnessed remarkable growth. Our commitment to transforming ports and waterways remains unwavering. Chintan Shivir 2025 is a crucial platform to set new benchmarks, review targets, and ensure that this sector continues to drive economic progress. At this Chintan Shivir, we have made remarkable progress as we have charted the map for the growth of maritime sector of the country towards realisation of the goal of Viksit Bharat. Innovative programmes like Sagarmala Start Up Innovation Initiative with Maritime Innovation Hubs, Harbour Craft Green Transition Program, Sagarmala Digital Centre of Excellence among others will be set up to amp up efficiency in the sector. With an aim to realise the vision of PM Narendra Modi ji’s Atmanirbhar Bharat, we have decided to set up Bharat Container Shipping Line. India is poised to be among the top 5 shipbuilding countries in the world by 2047. We are aiming to expand the shipbuilding industry to be able to construct ships with an additional Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 4 million tons.” One of the key moments of Chintan Shivir 2025 was the signing of an MoU between the IWAI and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to boost river cruise tourism in the State. The IWAI, the nodal agency for development of national waterways in the country, to develop inland waterways ecosystem on three National Waterways of Jammu and Kashmir. An investment of Rs 1 billion will be made to develop infrastructure for smooth transportation on River Chenab (NW-26), River Jhelum (NW-49), and River Ravi (NW-84). This initiative seeks to enhance tourism, create jobs, and drive economic growth in the region in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of ‘Viksit Bharat.’ The agreement, was signed in the presence of the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of State, Shantanu Thakur, J&K Minister Satish Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, TK Ramachandran, and IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar, among others. News source: PIB