The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) recently organised a two-day ‘Chintan Shivir, 2025’ in Srinagar with a vision to evaluate, reset, discover and apply solutions to unlock potential of the Blue Economy of India.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed undergoing projects of the Ministry worth Rs 2 Trillion — and drew up a goal, after consultative deliberation with the experts, of completing at least 150 projects by September, 2025.

The event focused on strengthening India’s shipbuilding and repair capabilities, improving financial and digital solutions for maritime infrastructure and pushing for a greener, more sustainable shipping industry. Emphasis was laid on achieving targets set out in Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047.

Some of the major announcements were made at the Chintan Shivir in this regard included:

• A total of 150 initiatives/projects were identified for completion within the next six months, with a deadline set for September 6, 2025.
• The Union Minister reemphasised India’s vision to be among the top 5 shipbuilding nations by 2047, with an additional shipbuilding capacity of 4 million Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT). He directed the formulation of suitable policies and skill development initiatives while encouraging collaboration with the State governments.
• The Harbour Craft Green Transition Programme will be launched to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions across Indian ports. • Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will invest Rs 100 crore in 3 National Waterways in Jammu & Kashmir, boosting inland water transport and connectivity in the region.
• The Decade of Sagarmala Vision will be celebrated in March 2025.
• A Sagarmala Startup and Innovation Initiative (S2I2) will be launched, accompanied by the establishment of Maritime Innovation Hubs (MIHs).

“ At this Chintan Shivir, we have made remarkable progress as we have charted the map for the growth of maritime sector of the country” said the minister.