NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) to assess the progress of key maritime reforms aimed at further strengthening Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), operational efficiency and service delivery across India’s ports.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of several transformative initiatives focused on legislative modernisation, digital governance, process simplification, standardisation and technology-driven improvements in the maritime sector.
Shri Sonowal emphasised the need for continued reforms that reduce procedural complexities, improve transparency and ensure faster, more efficient services for port users, shipping companies, exporters, importers and other maritime stakeholders. He called upon officials to ensure that reforms translate into tangible improvements on the ground, particularly through faster clearances, streamlined documentation and better coordination among various agencies.
A key focus of the review was the ongoing drive towards digitalisation of maritime governance. The Ministry has been advancing integrated digital platforms and technology-enabled systems to provide seamless services, reduce paperwork and improve real-time monitoring. Recent initiatives such as the E-Samudra platform are aimed at creating a comprehensive, paperless and citizen-centric maritime ecosystem, strengthening transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
The Minister also reviewed measures aimed at standardising port procedures and documentation. Under the Ministry’s One Nation–One Port Process initiative, port-related processes are being harmonised to eliminate inconsistencies, reduce documentation and minimise delays, thereby improving the overall efficiency of India’s logistics chain.
Shri Sonowal further stressed the importance of effective grievance redressal and time-bound resolution of pending issues, directing officials to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure regular follow-up on matters concerning stakeholders. He highlighted the need for greater coordination among the Ministry, port authorities, maritime institutions, other government agencies and industry to accelerate decision-making and implementation.
The review also covered the progress of legislative and policy reforms designed to create a more modern, transparent and investment-friendly maritime framework. These reforms are intended to support efficient port operations, facilitate trade and strengthen India’s competitiveness as a global maritime and logistics hub.
The Minister called for a result-oriented and accountable approach to implementation, with clear timelines, regular monitoring and prompt resolution of bottlenecks. He reiterated that technology, institutional coordination and policy reforms must work together to create a more efficient and globally competitive maritime ecosystem.
The reform agenda is aligned with the Government’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the objective of positioning India as a leading global maritime power. Shri Sonowal emphasised that India’s ports must continue to evolve into modern, smart, efficient and stakeholder-friendly gateways, capable of supporting the country’s expanding trade and logistics ambitions.
The meeting reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the maritime sector through the principle of “Reform, Perform, Transform and Inform”, with a strong emphasis on improved governance, digital innovation, operational excellence and stakeholder-centric service delivery.
