India’s blue economy can draw ₹80 lakh crore investments: Sonowal

By Admin

18 Sep, 2025

India’s maritime sector is on the brink of transformation, with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal projecting massive opportunities ahead. Speaking on India’s maritime growth, Sonowal highlighted that the country’s blue economy is set to attract investments worth ₹80 lakh crore, create over 1.5 crore jobs, and drive sustainable practices in the coming years.

Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision

The government has positioned the blue economy as a cornerstone of India’s growth, under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision. “India’s maritime growth story is about prosperity, sustainability, and pride in our heritage,” Sonowal said, reinforcing the aim of building India as a global maritime superpower.

Sagarmala Programme: Driving the Shift

Central to this progress is the Sagarmala programme, which envisions 840 projects worth ₹5.8 lakh crore by 2035. Of these, 272 projects worth ₹1.41 lakh crore have already been completed. Upcoming milestones include the ₹76,000-crore Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, projected to be among the world’s top 10 container ports and expected to generate 12 lakh jobs.

Rising Port Efficiency

India’s port performance has improved significantly in recent years. The average turnaround time at major ports has reduced to 0.9 days, a pace that outperforms benchmarks in the US, Germany, and Singapore. Today, nine Indian ports rank among the world’s top 100, signaling the nation’s growing competitiveness in global shipping.

Kerala’s Maritime Expansion

Sonowal also emphasized Kerala’s pivotal role in India’s maritime ambitions. Expansion plans for Cochin Port and the Vallarpadam transhipment terminal are underway, alongside 54 Sagarmala projects worth ₹24,000 crore. Already, 20 projects have been completed, including modernised fishing harbours at Kochi, Kannur, and Thrissur. These initiatives have delivered direct benefits to thousands of fishermen, strengthening local economies.

Future Priorities: Green and Secure Shipping

Looking ahead, the minister urged stakeholders to focus on decarbonisation, supply chain resilience, cybersecurity, and sustainable shipping. With India Maritime Week 2025 scheduled in Mumbai this October, the government expects stronger global partnerships and new investment flows into the sector.

Conclusion

India’s blue economy is emerging as a powerful driver of growth, blending heritage with innovation and sustainability. With record-breaking efficiency, large-scale investments, and global collaborations on the horizon, the maritime sector is well on its way to shaping India’s future as a global maritime hub.