Wadhawan Port Project Aims to Place India in Top 10 Global Container Ports by 2034

The Wadhawan Port, set to be developed near Mumbai, is expected to elevate India into the top 10 container ports globally by 2034, according to Union Shipping and Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. This port, located off Dahanu's coast in Maharashtra, will be constructed through a public-private partnership. It will accommodate ultra-large vessels, as stated by the minister during a maritime event organised by Ficci.

Representative image

Sonowal emphasised the importance of waterways for human civilisation and international relations. "Paani mein paisa hai," he remarked, highlighting the economic potential of water-based trade. Over the past decade, the waterways sector has significantly contributed to GDP growth. Major ports now handle 820 million tonnes of cargo annually, marking a 47% increase since 2014. Port capacity has also doubled to 1,630 million tonnes.

Green Hydrogen Hubs and Shipbuilding

The government is focusing on developing Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin as green hydrogen hubs. An updated shipbuilding financial assistance policy has boosted domestic shipbuilding, securing orders worth Rs 10,500 crore. This initiative is creating supply chain opportunities and jobs. By 2047, India aims to achieve a capacity of 10,000 million tonnes per annum with world-class infrastructure and advanced technology.

Last year's global maritime summit resulted in 360 Memorandums of Understanding with commitments exceeding Rs 80 lakh crore over the next 25 years. A similar event is planned for October this year. These developments underscore India's ambition to excel globally in the maritime sector.

The minister reiterated that without waterways, human civilisation would struggle to thrive. He noted that waterways not only facilitate trade but also strengthen international friendships. The strategic development of ports and related infrastructure is crucial for India's economic growth and global standing.