Lok Sabha Question No. 1922 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-02
Subject: Growth of Indian Port
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 1922

ANSWERED ON - 02/08/2024

## GROWTH OF INDIAN PORT

## 1922. DR. PRADEEP KUMAR PANIGRAHY:

Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state:

पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) the key challenges faced by the  Government  in  port  development  in terms of infrastructure  development,  operational  efficiency,  regulatory  frameworks,  environmental sustainability and international competitiveness; and
- (b) if so, the strategic initiatives and reforms being undertaken to address these challenges and foster the growth and modernization of India's ports and maritime sector?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

- (a)  The key challenges faced by the government in port development are:
- (i)  Securing  Funding:  Large-scale  port  infrastructure  projects  often  require  substantial investment, which can be challenging to secure. (ii)  Land Acquisition Delays: Delays in acquiring land for port expansion or new projects can significantly impact project timelines. (iii)  Capacity Constraints: Many ports face limitations in expanding capacity due to physical, geographical, and regulatory factors. (iv)  Logistics  and  Connectivity  Inefficiencies:  Inefficient  logistics  and  poor  connectivity  can hinder the effective operation of ports. (v) Workforce Skill Gap: There is often a  disparity in the skill levels  required  for advanced
- port operations versus the available workforce.
- (b) Government is focusing on simplifying regulations and streamlining approval processes to improve efficiency.  Government has constituted multi agency coordination committees  to streamline processes. Government is adopting international best practices and standards to improve  competitiveness.  To  address  the  challenges  in  port  development  and  foster  the growth and modernization of India's ports and maritime sector, the Indian government has

launched  in  2015,  the  Sagarmala  Programme  aims  to  modernize  ports,  enhance  port connectivity,  and  promote  port-led  industrialization    National  Logistics  Policy  has  been introduced in 2022, to streamline logistics operations and improve supply chain efficiency.

The  Maritime  AmritKaal  Vision  2047  launched  by  MoPSW  in  October  2023  outlines  a comprehensive plan to transform India's maritime sector. The key initiatives include:

1.  Developing  World-Class  Ports:  Focus  on  creating  next-generation  ports  with  advanced facilities and infrastructure.
2.  Port Clusters: Establishing clusters of  major  and  non-major  ports  with  capacities exceeding 300 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to enhance efficiency and connectivity.
3.  Deeper Drafts: Increasing draft depths to 18-23 meters to accommodate larger vessels and improve handling capabilities.
4.  Transshipment Hub: Developing a major transshipment hub to capture a larger share of global shipping traffic.
5.  New  Major  Ports:  Developing  two  new  major  ports  to  expand  port  infrastructure  and capabilities.
6.  Reducing  Vessel  Charges:  Implementing  measures  to  lower  vessel-related  charges  to make port operations more cost-effective.
7.  Private Sector Participation: Boosting private sector involvement through projects under PM  Gati  Shakti  -  NMP  and  the  Asset  Monetization  Plan  to  improve  efficiency  and investment.

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