New Delhi, June 27: India has emerged as the world’s leading ship recycling nation by gross tonnage, marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime sector as the Centre highlighted ongoing infrastructure expansion and sustainable shipping initiatives during the inauguration of Goa’s new Captain of Ports Terminal Building.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the new waterfront terminal in Panaji, a Rs 48.87-crore facility developed to strengthen maritime administration, improve vessel monitoring and navigation, and support Goa’s long-term maritime development strategy.
The terminal, developed by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), spans more than 4,405 square metres and replaces the existing Captain of Ports office, which had become inadequate to meet the department’s expanding operational requirements.
Addressing the gathering, Sonowal said the facility represents not only new infrastructure but also Goa’s commitment to maritime modernisation and sustainable development. He described the terminal as a symbol of the state’s maritime identity and its vision for a people-centric and future-ready maritime ecosystem.
Highlighting the transformation of India’s maritime sector over the past 12 years, the minister said the country’s port capacity has nearly doubled, while average vessel turnaround time has been reduced from 95 hours to 41 hours.
He said India’s seafaring workforce has expanded to more than 3.23 lakh, coastal cargo movement has more than doubled, cruise passenger traffic has increased by more than four times, and the number of operational National Waterways has grown from three to 32.
Sonowal said India’s emergence as the world’s leading ship recycling nation by gross tonnage reflects the country’s commitment to environmentally responsible and internationally compliant maritime practices, strengthening its position in the global maritime industry.
The minister also commended the Goa Government for advancing maritime reforms, noting that the state became the first in the country to implement the Inland Vessels Act, 2021. He said the proposed Goa Maritime Board, the Goa Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Policy, and the Maritime Master Plan would further strengthen the state’s maritime sector.
Referring to ongoing infrastructure development, Sonowal said projects worth more than Rs 1,300 crore have already been completed at the Mormugao Port Authority since 2014, while additional projects exceeding Rs 2,000 crore are currently under implementation.
He also announced that the proposed Goa Water Metro project has now been brought under Phase-I implementation priority, signalling further expansion of water-based transport infrastructure in the state.
The programme was attended by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik, Goa Minister for Captain of Ports Digambar Kamat, Goa Minister for River Navigation Subhash Phal Dessai and other dignitaries.
The developments underline the Centre’s focus on expanding maritime infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and promoting sustainable shipping practices as India strengthens its position in the global maritime sector.
