New Delhi: In a move to modernize India’s maritime sector, the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and the Indian Ports Association (IPA) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 24, 2024. The agreement was signed by Nand Kumarum, IAS, President and CEO of NeGD, and Vikas Narwal, IAS, Managing Director of IPA, in the presence of senior officials including Dr. Arvind Bhisikar, Executive Director (IT) of IPA, and Rajnish Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of NeGD.
The MoU aims to integrate NeGD’s technological capabilities with IPA’s deep understanding of the maritime and logistics sectors, both at the national and international levels. The partnership is expected to address critical challenges in the maritime industry, such as fragmented logistics systems, outdated operational practices, and limited digital infrastructure, by creating a technology-driven maritime ecosystem.
This collaboration focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining logistics systems through the development of advanced software, system integration, and capacity-building initiatives. The adoption of emerging technologies will also play a pivotal role in modernizing the port ecosystem. Both NeGD and IPA are committed to fostering seamless integration and collaboration among stakeholders to transform the maritime sector into a smarter and more efficient system.
The partnership envisions a future where Indian ports are interconnected and utilize real-time data and analytics to optimize operations, reduce turnaround times, and improve supply chain efficiencies. This initiative is not only expected to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities but also aligns with the country’s ambition to become a global leader in the digital transformation of port operations.
By leveraging technological innovation and fostering strategic collaboration, the NeGD-IPA partnership seeks to redefine the maritime sector, ensuring it meets international standards and becomes a benchmark for operational excellence and digital advancement.