Maritime India Vision-2030 is finalized and ready to be implemented soon said Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya speaking at the concluding session of Chintan Baithak.

I advise chairpersons of all major ports and officials to work with optimism, dedication and motivation to put India on the world map as the maritime leader added Mandaviya.

The Chintan Baithak focused on new Initiatives like identification of coastal routes for urban transportation covering the entire coastline of India and efficient utilisation of core and non-core assets of major ports.

Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Big Data, GeoFencing, data driven traffic management in the ports, IoT based truck platooning, GIS based cargo tracking etc. were discussed to simplify and smoothen the operations of major ports to convert ports in smart ports and further intelligent ports as envisioned in Maritime India Vision-2030.

Possibilities of restructuring Indian ports association, creating India’s first ever maritime arbitration centre to resolve maritime disputes in India itself instead of going to other countries were explored. Probabilities of establishing satellite ports for reducing the congestion and burden on major ports and attracting more cargo were also discussed.

Proposed domestic and international routes of Ro-Ro and ROPAX Ferry Services were also reviewed. While reviewing new proposed locations of seaplane operations, it was noted that Expression of Interest (EoI) of seaplanes has received overwhelming response.

‘‘Our larger goal is to regain the India’s maritime glory. With this Chintan Baithak, the coordination between all major ports will be more streamlined and will be able to work with more synergy to achieve common goals," commented Mandaviya.

The three day ‘Chintan Baithak’ of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and waterways was held from 21st January to 23rd January in the Tent City of Dhordo, Kutch, Gujarat.