Sarbananda Sonowal highlights India’s Maritime Transformation at India Today Infrastructure Conclave 2026
NEW DELHI : Hon’ble Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, addressed the ‘India Today Infrastructure Conclave 2026‘ in New Delhi, underscoring the unprecedented transformation underway in India’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.
Speaking at the high-level forum, Shri Sonowal highlighted how a historic infrastructure push, sustained capacity building, and far-reaching digital reforms are driving the rapid expansion of India’s Blue Economy. He emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s maritime sector has emerged as a key pillar in the nation’s journey towards Viksit Bharat.
Transforming India’s Maritime Landscape
The Minister outlined major initiatives that are reshaping the sector, including:
- Modernisation and capacity augmentation of major ports
- Development of world-class port infrastructure under the Sagarmala framework
- Enhanced multimodal connectivity linking ports with railways, highways, and inland waterways
- Promotion of coastal shipping and inland water transport to reduce logistics costs
- Green port initiatives focused on sustainability and decarbonisation
He noted that India’s ports are witnessing consistent growth in cargo handling capacity and operational efficiency, supported by mechanisation, automation, and policy reforms aimed at ease of doing business.
Digital Reforms & Ease of Doing Business
Shri Sonowal stressed that digital transformation has been central to the sector’s evolution. Key reforms such as port community systems, paperless documentation, real-time cargo tracking, and single-window clearances have significantly reduced turnaround times and improved transparency.
The Minister highlighted that these reforms have strengthened India’s competitiveness in global trade while creating a more investor-friendly maritime ecosystem.
Driving the Blue Economy Vision
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to sustainable growth, Shri Sonowal stated that India’s Blue Economy strategy integrates port-led development, shipbuilding, cruise tourism, fisheries, and maritime innovation.
He emphasized that India’s strategic geographic location, expanding port capacity, and robust policy framework are positioning the country as a global maritime hub.
Concluding his address, the Minister reiterated that the maritime sector is not only facilitating trade but also generating employment, boosting coastal development, and contributing significantly to India’s economic resilience.
The participation of Shri Sonowal at the Conclave reflects the Government’s continued focus on infrastructure-led growth as a foundation for building a developed and self-reliant India.
