Lok Sabha Question No. 5712 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-04
Subject: Development of Strategic Mega Ports
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri Naresh Ganpat Mhaske, Shri Rajesh Verma, Smt. Shambhavi, Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Shri Ravindra Dattaram Waikar

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5712

ANSWERED ON 04.04.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF STRATEGIC MEGA PORTS

5712.  SHRI NARESH GANPAT MHASKE: SHRI RAJESH VERMA: SMT. SHAMBHAVI: DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE: SHRI RAVINDRA DATTARAM WAIKAR:

## Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state: पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

(a) the  manner  in  which  the  Government's  initiative  to  expand  India's  port capacity to  10,000  million  tonnes  per  annum  by  2047  is  likely  to  contribute  to  the country's economic resurgence; (b) the specific measures being implemented to ensure that the development of strategic mega ports like Vadhavan and Galathea Bay enhances India's position as a global shipping hub; (c) whether  the  reduction  in  container  dwell  time  and  vessel  turnaround  time reflects the successes of Government  policies in improving port efficiency, if so, the details thereof including plans for further improvement of the same; (d) the manner in which the focus on green hydrogen production at major ports is expected to drive investment and job creation in the maritime sector; and (e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to address challenges in skilled labour availability  and  sustainable  fuel  adoption  in  shipbuilding  and  the  manner  in  which these efforts align with India's ambition to become a leading global player?

## ANSWER

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

(a) The government's initiative to expand port capacity to 10,000 million tonnes by 2047 seeks to enhance trade efficiency by reducing logistics costs and minimizing ship  turnaround  times.  This  expansion  will  strengthen  India's  global  exports  by enabling faster, more cost-effective cargo handling and promote national economic growth through a more robust trade infrastructure.

(b) Government  is  developing  mega  ports  such  as  Vadhavan,  with  a  focus  on strengthening  infrastructure  to  accommodate  larger  vessels.  Additionally,  Galathea Bay  is  set  to  become  a  strategic  port,  enhancing  connectivity  between  India  and Southeast Asia. These initiatives are enhanced India's position in a global shipping hub.

(c) Decrease of container vessel turnaround time from 42 hours in FY13-14 to 30 hours in FY 23-24 at Indian ports highlights the success of government policies in improving  port efficiency. In the future, automation,  port  expansion,  and  the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (AI and IoT) will be key to sustaining these gains and strengthening India's global trade position.

(d) To  support  the  National  Hydrogen  Mission,  three  major  ports  in  India  have been designated as Green Hydrogen Hubs. These initiatives will lead to significant investments in electrolyzers, renewable energy systems, and storage facilities. As a result,  they  will  create  direct  employment  opportunities  for  skilled  workers  and generate indirect jobs in equipment manufacturing and logistics.

(e) To address skilled labour challenges, Government launched initiatives like the B.Tech.  program  in  Naval  Architecture  &  Shipbuilding  at  the  Indian  Maritime University  and  established  the  Centre  of  Excellence  in  Maritime  &  Shipbuilding. Additionally, this  Ministry  supports  R&D in alternative fuels,  while  Cochin Shipyard leads in green shipbuilding, promoting eco-friendly vessels.

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