Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Visits Mormugao Port, Prepares for 20th Maritime State Development Council Meeting in Goa

Goa: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, today inspected the upcoming International Cruise Terminal at Mormugao Port. During his visit, the Minister toured the terminal’s construction site, took a yacht ride to experience the port’s cutting-edge facilities, and participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative by planting a sapling within the port’s premises.

Speaking to the media, Sonowal highlighted the government’s ongoing projects in Goa under the Sagarmala programme, with investments totaling ₹24,000 crore. “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we are transforming India’s maritime sector. The upcoming 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) meeting will review these initiatives and assess our progress as we align with the goals of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,” he said.

The new Cruise Terminal at Mormugao Port is poised to set a global benchmark for maritime infrastructure, with a focus on enhancing cruise tourism. Sonowal stated, “With the completion of this terminal, we are on track to meet our target of 1.5 million cruise tourists by 2030.”

20th Maritime State Development Council Meeting in Goa

Sonowal will preside over the 20th MSDC meeting, scheduled for September 12th and 13th in Goa. The event will bring together Chief Ministers, Senior Ministers from Coastal States, Administrators of Union Territories (UTs), and senior officials from nine Coastal States, four UTs, and several Union Government Ministries. The gathering will serve as a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategic maritime initiatives that are essential for India’s maritime future.

The meeting will focus on the review of the Sagarmala Programme, which is key to port-led development across the country. In addition, the council will discuss the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat, which aims to preserve and showcase India’s rich maritime history. The inland waterway network’s expansion to improve cargo and passenger transport will also be a central topic of discussion.

Strategic Developments in India’s Maritime Sector

Other significant topics on the MSDC agenda include improving road and rail connectivity to ports to streamline goods and passenger movement, and the evaluation of innovative state-led initiatives. For instance, the Kerala Maritime Board will present strategies to monetize dredging activities, while the Gujarat Maritime Board will showcase urban development projects linked to port activities. Andhra Pradesh’s comprehensive master plan for maritime growth will also be featured.

A strong emphasis will be placed on environmental sustainability. A special focus will be on curbing pollution at Goa Port by reducing the handling of dirty cargo, in line with broader efforts to create cleaner, more sustainable port operations and enhance the port’s appeal to tourists and residents alike.

The MSDC will also review the compliance status of Major and Non-Major ports, explore strategies to strengthen the shipbuilding and ship repair industries, and discuss improvements to the port ranking system in India. Additionally, discussions will be held on the integration of Minor Ports with Major Ports, along with new proposals for road, railway, and Inland Water Transport (IWT) connectivity.

Promoting India’s Maritime Future

The MSDC, established in 1997, serves as the apex advisory body for the development of India’s maritime sector, working to promote the integrated growth of Major and Non-Major ports in close coordination with State governments. Chaired by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, the council includes Ministers responsible for ports from all Maritime States, Administrators of UTs, and representatives from key stakeholders such as the Navy, Coast Guard, and other agencies.