India's Port Development: Achieving Global Recognition

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MUST READ ARTICLE ON INDIA’S MARITIME, PORT AND SHIPPING SECTOR: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indias-ports-and-shipping#:~:text=The%20government%20has%20also%20outlined,prominent%20on%20global%20shipping%20routes.

Context

• Nine Indian ports achieved placement in the Global Top 100 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), 2023, a report by the World Bank and S&P Global Marketing Intelligence, signaling a significant milestone for India's port development program.
• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal credited the success to the Sagarmala programme, aimed at modernizing and enhancing the efficiency of Indian ports.

Performance Highlights:

• Vishakhapatnam Port: Notable performance metrics include 27.5 moves per crane hour, a Turnaround Time (TRT) of 21.4 hours, and minimal berth idle time, reflecting the port's efficiency in handling container ships and satisfying customer preferences.
• Other Top Performing Ports: Seven additional Indian ports secured positions in the top 100, including Pipavav (41), Kamarajar (47), Cochin (63), Hazira (68), Krishnapatnam (71), Chennai (80), and Jawaharlal Nehru (96).

Conclusion:

• India's presence in the Global Top 100 Container Port Performance Index underscores the success of ongoing port modernization efforts and the efficacy of initiatives like the Sagarmala programme.
• Continued focus on enhancing port efficiency and infrastructure will further bolster India's maritime industry and contribute to port-led economic development.

MUST READ ARTICLE ON INDIA’S MARITIME, PORT AND SHIPPING SECTOR: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indias-ports-and-shipping#:~:text=The%20government%20has%20also%20outlined,prominent%20on%20global%20shipping%20routes.

India's Port Expansion Vision 2047

• Ambitious Targets: India aims to quadruple its cargo handling capacity at ports to 10,000 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by 2047, coinciding with the nation's 100 years of Independence.
• Master Plan Development: A comprehensive ports master plan is underway to delineate the roadmap for achieving this target. Private sector participation will be a key aspect of the plan.
• Current Capacity: India presently operates 12 major ports and 78 non-major ports, with a combined operational capacity of 2,604.99 mtpa.
• Integrated Planning: The Indian Ports Association is tasked with integrating all port master plans with the Vision 2047 framework to ensure a cohesive and coordinated approach.
• Strategic Focus Areas: Improving port infrastructure, reducing turnaround time, and enhancing handling capacity to achieve the 2047 target.
• Sagarmala Programme: The new goal surpasses targets set under the Sagarmala programme, which aimed to boost port capacity to 3,500 mmtpa by 2035.
• Investment Plans: Under Sagarmala, over 800 projects with an estimated investment of Rs 5.5 lakh crore have been identified for implementation. Additionally, the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 envisages investments of Rs 1-1.25 lakh crore for port capacity augmentation and infrastructure development.
• LNG Infrastructure Development: India is also focusing on developing LNG handling and ship refueling capacity at major ports, with an estimated investment of Rs 20,000 crore.

India's ambitious port expansion plans signal a strategic commitment to bolster maritime infrastructure, drive economic growth, and position itself as a global maritime leader by 2047.

MUST READ ARTICLE ON INDIA’S MARITIME, PORT AND SHIPPING SECTOR: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indias-ports-and-shipping#:~:text=The%20government%20has%20also%20outlined,prominent%20on%20global%20shipping%20routes.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Examine India's Port Expansion Vision 2047, focusing on its goals, challenges, and strategies to boost cargo handling capacity. Evaluate the role of private sector participation and government initiatives like Sagarmala in achieving this target.

SOURCE: PIB