Latest news with #Sonowal
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Coordinated efforts crucial to complete port projects in Maharashtra: Sonowal
Mumbai, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday emphasised the need for coordinated efforts between Central and state departments to expedite the completion of key port projects in Maharashtra. Coordinated efforts crucial to complete port projects in Maharashtra: Sonowal Chairing a joint meeting of central and state officials on port and coastal development in Mumbai, the Union Minister for ports, shipping, and waterways underlined the strategic importance of Maharashtra's maritime infrastructure and called for fast-tracking approvals for ongoing and proposed projects. State Minister for Fisheries and Ports Nitesh Rane, who also addressed the meeting, described the joint consultation as a "positive step" towards the state's coastal development and stressed the importance of timely permissions from Central agencies to ensure efficient execution and cost-effectiveness. "The meeting was held to coordinate between Central and state-level marine institutions. There was a detailed discussion on developing coastal infrastructure in Maharashtra. Sonowal ji directed officials to ensure that Central and state government agencies work in coordination to expedite the completion of projects in Maharashtra," he said. Senior officials from the concerned departments were present at the meeting. Sonowal said, "There are immense opportunities in the maritime and industrial sectors. Projects in the port sector of Maharashtra are crucial and should be fast-tracked with prompt approvals. Projects linking ports with rail and road networks should also be prioritised." He further stated that all projects approved under the Sagarmala programme in Maharashtra should be completed by 2026. Minister Rane said that better inter-departmental coordination would help secure approvals in a timely manner and reduce bureaucratic delays. "With smoother approvals, projects can be completed on schedule and within budget. Today's meeting was fruitful and is expected to give a major push to port development works in the state," he said. Key projects, including the Vaibhavwadi-Kolhapur railway project, Anandwadi port, Ro-Ro ferry services, water taxi initiatives, inland waterways, and jetty-related concerns, were discussed during the meeting. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Atmanirbharta in shipping a key goal of maritime policy: Sarbananda Sonowal
Between engagements with Japan, Norway, and Denmark, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is on a global outreach to put India's fledgling shipping sector on the world map. Back from Norway—where he inaugurated the Nor-Shipping trade fair—the minister told Business Standard in an interview that India is actively pursuing self-reliance, or Atmanirbharta, in shipping, and has initiated multiple joint ventures between Indian shipyards such as Cochin Shipyard and leading global private sector shipbuilders. 'During the visit, India and private sector maritime players explored the scope of collaboration to further strengthen the shipbuilding ecosystem and build partnerships to manufacture maritime equipment and machinery in India, aligned with the Make in India initiative. India's strong shipbuilding capabilities must be sustained through cleaner and greener technologies, and towards this end, multiple MoUs were signed to transfer knowledge that empowers us to elevate our position,' Sonowal said. The government is looking to Europe for innovation in shipping and ship manufacturing, while simultaneously engaging major shipyards in Asia to establish operations in India. Earlier this year, following a series of Budget reforms, Gujarat's Deendayal Port issued a tender to establish a shipbuilding cluster in Kandla, aimed at attracting foreign players. However, the tender saw minimal response, with only one bidder. 'The Indian shipbuilding industry will need to develop its capabilities in terms of modern technologies and processes. This can be achieved through collaboration with foreign shipbuilders, and both private sector and PSU shipyards are actively pursuing this,' the minister noted. According to Sonowal, recent deliberations became opportunities to reinforce India's business-friendly stance in what is a highly capital-intensive sector. On whether evolving geopolitical dynamics have influenced India's strategy, Sonowal said: 'The global geopolitical situation is constantly evolving, and amidst this flux, our unwavering focus is to safeguard the future of India's maritime industry, reduce dependency, and ensure Atmanirbharta in shipping. We are committed to ensuring the sector remains growth-focused, strong, and seamlessly integrated into the global maritime ecosystem—aligned with national priorities and attuned to international opportunities.' On discussions with Norway, the minister said he engaged with industry leaders and explored a range of bilateral opportunities, including the potential for increased employment of Indian seafarers in the Norwegian fleet. Currently, around 10 per cent of Norwegian ships are being built in India. Smart Islands in Lakshadweep, Andaman The minister also met Terada Yoshimichi, Japan's Vice-Minister for International Affairs, and officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. He said plans to develop India's islands into smart islands were on the agenda during bilateral deliberations. 'We explored expanding ties between Indian and Japanese shipyards, including Greenfield investments such as Imabari Shipbuilding in Andhra Pradesh. We identified opportunities for co-developing ports and maritime clusters as clean energy hubs. I conveyed India's interest in joint ventures with leading Japanese shipbuilders—Imabari, JMUC, Kanagawa Dockyard, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries—and invited NYK Line, MOL, and K Line to invest in next-generation sustainable maritime technologies,' Sonowal said.
News18
4 days ago
- Business
- News18
Water Metro Coming To Patna? Sonowal Floats Ganga Mobility Plan Ahead Of Bihar Polls
Last Updated: Patna set to join Kochi in launching modern water metro services as part of Ganga transport revival. Water metro services will soon begin in Patna, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Monday, stating that the city will become a hub of the inland water transport system on the Ganga. The announcement was made with a few months left for the state's assembly elections. Addressing a consultation meeting here on the development of inland water transport in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, Sonowal said the Modi government was committed to harnessing the full potential of river systems for cargo, tourism and local livelihoods. 'The water metro system will connect both banks of the river and offer a clean, efficient, and modern urban mobility solution for Patna. The National Inland Navigation Institute is being upgraded as a centre of excellence with fresh investment," he said. 'Over the last 11 years, the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi has made India's inland waterways vibrant engines of green growth and connectivity. The National Waterway 1, spanning UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, stands at the heart of this revival. We are committed to harnessing the full potential of our river systems for cargo, tourism and local livelihoods. Bihar, blessed by the sacred Ganga, is poised to emerge as a key inland waterways transport hub," he added. The Centre is working hand-in-hand with all states on NW 1 to make inland water transport a pillar of India's sustainable, multimodal future, Sonowal said, maintaining that rivers are now the lifelines of the country's economy. 'As part of the National Waterway 1, stretching 1,390 km from Varanasi to Haldia, Bihar will see the development of two terminals in Patna, along with the establishment of a vessel repair and manufacturing centre along the Ganga," he said. 'Sixteen community jetties will be constructed across various districts, and Kalu Ghat will be developed into a state-of-the-art waterway centre. A dedicated task force will be formed to explore further possibilities for inland navigation and water-based commerce in 12 districts along the Ganga river in the state," he said. Sonowal said the development of NW 1 will create jobs, boost tourism, and make Bihar a key player in India's economic growth. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is at present conducting 10,000 km of longitudinal surveys per month to assess Least Available Depth (LAD), with coverage set to expand from 11 states in 2024 to 22 states and four Union Territories by 2027, he said. The meeting was attended by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, Bihar's Deputy CMs Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, UP's Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh, West Bengal's Waterways and Irrigation Minister Manas Ranjan Bhunia, and IWAI Chairman Vijay Kumar. First Published: June 16, 2025, 23:05 IST
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
India now has 111 national waterways, up from 5 under UPA: Union Minister Sonowal
Patna (Bihar) [India], June 16 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said on Monday that the number of national waterways in India has increased to 111 under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, compared to just five during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime. 'Out of the 111 national waterways, 29 are currently operational,' Sonowal said while addressing an event organised under the Jal Marg Vikas Project in Bihar's Patna. He noted that the emergence of national waterways has benefited several states and helped boost the local economy, benefiting farmers, youth and small traders. 'Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi over the past 11 years, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation in the waterways sector. During the UPA regime, the national waterways were limited to just five, and thanks to the right decision-making of the Prime Minister, we expanded this to 111 national waterways, and 29 of them are operational. This development has benefitted every state, especially farmers, youth and small traders, by strengthening local economies,' Sonowal said. Speaking about the ministry's efforts to develop Patna as a major waterways hub, the Union Minister said they were taking immediate action on the Bihar government's appeal. 'We are taking immediate action based on the Bihar government's appeal, particularly for Patna to be developed as a waterways hub, which requires vessel repair and green water transport, including electric ferries and water metro,' he said. He stated that a task force comprising representatives from the Bihar government and the Shipping Ministry would plan the necessary interventions to develop Patna as a waterways hub, which would benefit farmers and students. Sonowal said it will also help promote river cruises along the 500 km of the Ganga river, which would highlight the culture of Bihar. 'We will form a Task Force comprising representatives from the Ministry of Shipping and the Bihar government to study and plan the necessary interventions, including setting up a vessel repair facility in Patna. This will focus on supporting farmers, students and small traders, promoting river cruises to highlight Bihar's rich history and culture, developing state-of-the-art terminals and infrastructure along the 500 km Ganga river that flows through Bihar,' he added. (ANI)
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announces major infra push to boost Inland Waterways in Bihar
Patna (Bihar) [India], June 16 (ANI): Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced a major infra push to boost Inland Waterways in Bihar, reaffirming the collective effort to rejuvenate rivers in the country, especially the National Waterways. He said that Inland Water Transport (IWT) was an environmentally sustainable mode of transport. The announcements were made at the inaugural session of the Consultative Workshop on Inland Waterways Development on National Waterways-1 (river Ganga), the first such workshop held in Patna on Monday. Speaking at the workshop, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, 'Today, at this Consultative Workshop, we reaffirm our collective effort to rejuvenate our rivers, especially the National Waterways, to become engines of our future growth, not merely a relic of our past. IWT is the cleanest, most cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable mode of transport.' Setting the context for the rejuvenation of the river Ganga, Union Minister Sonowal said, 'I bow with reverence to the sacred river Ganga -- the eternal source of life, civilisation, and spiritual energy in this land. In her flowing waters lie centuries of culture, wisdom, livelihood, and continuity. Ganga is not just a river; she is the heartbeat of the Indian subcontinent. And today, as we gather in Patna -- a city nurtured by her embrace -- we renew our resolve to align this sacred river with the nation's modern journey of growth and transformation.' Sarbananda Sonowal announced major initiative in infrastructure development to boost inland waterways in Bihar. Sonowal said, 'Patna is being considered for the introduction of a Water Metro, replicating the successful Kochi Water Metro model, either full or in part, depending upon geographical condition. The proposed system aims to connect both banks of the river and offer a clean, efficient, and modern urban mobility solution for the capital city. In addition, a Ship Repair Facility will be set up in Patna to support a robust inland vessel ecosystem. Apart from repair, this facility will also be equipped to construct new ships. These developments mark a significant step in revitalising River Ganga as a lifeline for sustainable urban transport and align with national efforts to promote eco-friendly, river-centric development.' The Union Minister also announced setting up a Joint Task Force among the Bihar Government, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and IWAI to explore sustainable development opportunities on the Ganga (NW-1) in Bihar. Patna-based National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI) is being upgraded as Centre of Excellence (CoE) with fresh investment for the upgradation of facilities and adding newer ones. NINI is the premier national institution in the field of inland water navigation. In order to give a boost to passenger movement on NW-1 (Ganga), Sonowal announced, 'The Narendra Modi government is committed to transforming inland water transport into a reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transportation for the people of Bihar. With 16 new community jetties, in addition to the existing 21 community jetties in the state, being developed across key districts, local farmers, traders, and small businesses will gain direct access to river-based markets. The Patna is set to become a logistics hub for northern Bihar and the Kalughat Terminal for Nepal-bound trade, seamlessly integrating with road and rail networks.' 'The deployment of Quick Pontoon Opening Mechanisms (QPOMs) at FOUR locations and TWO Ro-Pax terminals, along with TWO hybrid electric catamaran vessels, ensures a smooth, green, and affordable journey for passengers. These efforts reflect the Modi government's vision of a cleaner, greener, and more connected Bihar through sustainable inland waterways. These announcements are not just policy statements. They are a declaration of our intent -- that Bihar, blessed by Ganga, will become a leading hub for inland water-based commerce, tourism, and innovation. With this infrastructure, Patna will emerge as the Water Transport Hub on the river Ganga (NW 1),' he added. Highlighting the progress of Inland Waterways since 2014 under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Sonowal said, 'Inland Waterways have undergone a remarkable transformation under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Cargo movement has grown by over 700 per cent, with operational waterways increasing nearly ninefold (over 800 per cent) and investments rising fivefold (510 per cent) since 2014. This sector is now a vital pillar of our multimodal logistics strategy, offering a clean, cost-effective alternative to road and rail for transporting heavy and bulk cargo. The rise in river cruise routes -- a handsome growth of 333 per cent since 2013 -- also reflects the growing tourism potential of our national waterways.' The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), approved in January 2018 at a cost of Rs 5,061.15 crore, aims to develop National Waterway-1 (Haldia to Varanasi) over a 1,390 km stretch with assured depth and width for smooth navigation. As of May 2025, the project is 68.86 per cent physically complete, with traffic increasing 220 per cent from 5.05 MMT in 2014-15 to 16.38 MMT in 2024-25. With environmental safeguards like zero liquid discharge, bio-toilets, and pingers to protect Gangetic dolphins. Key components of JMVP include the development of cargo terminals, fairway maintenance along the Varanasi to Haldia stretch of NW-1, and navigational locks that reduce vessel transit time. The project also features community jetties supporting daily footfall of up to 1.22 lakh passengers, cargo aggregation hubs to lower logistics costs, and Quick Pontoon Opening Mechanisms (QPOM) to minimise delays. It further includes facilities like a ship repair hub, a cruise terminal, and training infrastructure to support the growing inland waterways ecosystem. India's inland waterways sector has witnessed a remarkable transformation under the Narendra Modi government, expanding from just three (03) operational National Waterways (NW) in 2014 to 29 operational NWs across 11 states today. A total of 111 NWs have been declared, spanning 23 States and 4 Union Territories with a cumulative navigable length of 20,187 km. To support this growing network, 124 terminals--including 27 permanent and 97 floating terminals--are now operational. Cargo movement on national waterways reached 145.84 million tonnes in FY 2024-25, growing at a CAGR of 20.89 per cent since 2014. In FY-25, 85 per cent of the cargo comprised coal, iron ore, coke, sand, fly ash, vehicles, passengers, limestone, clinker, and cement, highlighting inland waterways as a key mode for bulk and heavy freight. IWAI is currently conducting 10,000 km of longitudinal surveys per month to assess Least Available Depth (LAD), with coverage set to expand from 11 states in FY24 to 22 states and 4 UTs by FY27. Reflecting the sector's growing significance, projects worth Rs 35,000 crore project pipeline--including PPP initiatives--has been prepared for the next five years. The government's commitment is further underscored by a 48 per cent increase in the annual budget, rising from Rs 1,203 crore in FY24 to Rs 1,752 crore in FY25. Top officials of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), and the Government of Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, among others, were also present at the inaugural session of the consultive workshop. (ANI)
