India's Port Development: Achieving Global Recognition

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MUST READ ARTICLE ON INDIA’S MARITIME, PORT AND SHIPPING SECTOR: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indias-ports-and-shipping#:~:text=The%20government%20has%20also%20outlined,prominent%20on%20global%20shipping%20routes.

Context

• Nine Indian ports achieved placement in the Global Top 100 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), 2023, a report by the World Bank and S&P Global Marketing Intelligence, signaling a significant milestone for India's port development program.
• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal credited the success to the Sagarmala programme, aimed at modernizing and enhancing the efficiency of Indian ports.

Performance Highlights:

• Vishakhapatnam Port: Notable performance metrics include 27.5 moves per crane hour, a Turnaround Time (TRT) of 21.4 hours, and minimal berth idle time, reflecting the port's efficiency in handling container ships and satisfying customer preferences.
• Other Top Performing Ports: Seven additional Indian ports secured positions in the top 100, including Pipavav (41), Kamarajar (47), Cochin (63), Hazira (68), Krishnapatnam (71), Chennai (80), and Jawaharlal Nehru (96).

Conclusion:

• India's presence in the Global Top 100 Container Port Performance Index underscores the success of ongoing port modernization efforts and the efficacy of initiatives like the Sagarmala programme.
• Continued focus on enhancing port efficiency and infrastructure will further bolster India's maritime industry and contribute to port-led economic development.

MUST READ ARTICLE ON INDIA’S MARITIME, PORT AND SHIPPING SECTOR: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indias-ports-and-shipping#:~:text=The%20government%20has%20also%20outlined,prominent%20on%20global%20shipping%20routes.

India's Port Expansion Vision 2047

• Ambitious Targets: India aims to quadruple its cargo handling capacity at ports to 10,000 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by 2047, coinciding with the nation's 100 years of Independence.
• Master Plan Development: A comprehensive ports master plan is underway to delineate the roadmap for achieving this target. Private sector participation will be a key aspect of the plan.
• Current Capacity: India presently operates 12 major ports and 78 non-major ports, with a combined operational capacity of 2,604.99 mtpa.
• Integrated Planning: The Indian Ports Association is tasked with integrating all port master plans with the Vision 2047 framework to ensure a cohesive and coordinated approach.
• Strategic Focus Areas: Improving port infrastructure, reducing turnaround time, and enhancing handling capacity to achieve the 2047 target.
• Sagarmala Programme: The new goal surpasses targets set under the Sagarmala programme, which aimed to boost port capacity to 3,500 mmtpa by 2035.
• Investment Plans: Under Sagarmala, over 800 projects with an estimated investment of Rs 5.5 lakh crore have been identified for implementation. Additionally, the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 envisages investments of Rs 1-1.25 lakh crore for port capacity augmentation and infrastructure development.
• LNG Infrastructure Development: India is also focusing on developing LNG handling and ship refueling capacity at major ports, with an estimated investment of Rs 20,000 crore.

India's ambitious port expansion plans signal a strategic commitment to bolster maritime infrastructure, drive economic growth, and position itself as a global maritime leader by 2047.

MUST READ ARTICLE ON INDIA’S MARITIME, PORT AND SHIPPING SECTOR: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indias-ports-and-shipping#:~:text=The%20government%20has%20also%20outlined,prominent%20on%20global%20shipping%20routes.

SOURCE: PIB