Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates ₹67.77 Crore Maritime Projects

Bhubaneswar: To boost maritime education and gender inclusivity, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated 26 projects worth ₹67.77 crore across six campuses of the Indian Maritime University (IMU). The ceremony, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, also saw the laying of the foundation stone for a new Girls’ Hostel-cum-Library building at the IMU campus in Kochi.

Describing the occasion as a “very special one,” the Union Minister emphasised the government’s unwavering commitment to transforming maritime education in India. “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is making rapid strides toward becoming a global maritime powerhouse. These projects represent a crucial step in realising that vision,” he said.

The 17 inaugurated infrastructure projects span across IMU campuses in Chennai, Kolkata, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai Port, Visakhapatnam, and Kochi. These include high-tech simulators, RFID-enabled libraries, solar power plants, sports infrastructure, and upgraded hostels—designed to enhance academic life and improve campus facilities. The ₹13.11 crore Girls’ Hostel at IMU Kochi is intended to provide quality residential facilities for female students, underscoring the government’s focus on promoting gender equity in maritime careers.

Highlighting the transformative impact of flagship programmes like Maritime India Vision 2030, the Sagarmala Programme, and the Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047, Sonowal noted that India’s major ports have doubled their cargo-handling capacity in the past decade. “Today, nine Indian ports rank among the world’s top 100, and the number of Indian seafarers has grown by 170%—from 1.17 lakh in 2014 to over 3.17 lakh in 2024,” he said, adding that the government aims to increase the number to 5 lakh by 2030.

A key highlight of the event was the growing participation of women in the maritime sector. Sonowal revealed that the number of women seafarers has surged by 700% in the past ten years—from 1,699 in 2014 to 13,756 in 2024. “The foundation stone for the Girls’ Hostel at IMU Kochi is another step toward creating a more inclusive sector. ‘Nari Shakti’ and ‘Yuva Shakti’ are the dual engines powering our national aspirations,” he remarked.

Praising the Indian Maritime University for its role in workforce development, the Union Minister pointed out that IMU has enrolled 7,156 students this year, and has produced over 21,000 alumni since its inception in 2008. Admissions have grown by 80% in the past decade, reflecting the institution’s rising stature in maritime education.

Sonowal urged IMU to remain at the forefront of technological advancement by incorporating cutting-edge domains such as automation, Artificial Intelligence, shipbuilding, ship recycling, and green shipping technologies. He also stressed the importance of inland water transport and emerging sailing technologies, stating, “IMU must lead the transformation and nurture a professional, future-ready maritime workforce.”

Commending the faculty and staff of IMU, Sonowal acknowledged their dedication in shaping the future of maritime India. Addressing students, he said, “You are the future of our maritime vision. Your knowledge, skill, and passion will steer India toward becoming a global maritime leader.”

The ceremony concluded with an engaging discussion featuring experts, educators, and policymakers, focused on the future of maritime education, sustainable infrastructure, and innovative approaches to seafarer training. Among the dignitaries present were Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden and IMU Vice Chancellor Dr. Malini V. Shankar.