Context:

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, recently launched a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at transforming India’s maritime sector. These initiatives, unveiled at a stakeholder meeting in Mumbai, are designed to modernize the country's maritime infrastructure, boost India’s global trade presence, and promote sustainability in the sector.

Key initiatives launched:

‘One Nation-One Port Process’ (ONOP) initiative:

·        One of the major announcements was the launch of the ‘One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP)’. This initiative aims to standardize and streamline the operations across all of India’s major ports.

·        The ONOP process is designed to eliminate inconsistencies in documentation and processes that have traditionally led to inefficiencies, higher operational costs, and delays.

·        By harmonizing port procedures, this initiative will not only cut down logistical costs but also improve the overall competitiveness of Indian ports on the global stage.

Sagar Ankalan: Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI):

Another key initiative launched by Shri Sonowal was the Sagar Ankalan – the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2023-24. This index is a crucial step in enhancing the efficiency and global competitiveness of Indian ports.

It aims to benchmark port performance by assessing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cargo handling efficiency, turnaround times, berth idle times, and container dwell times.

Through the LPPI, India will be able to track and compare the performance of major and non-major ports in both bulk (dry and liquid) and container categories. The results will be used to identify areas for improvement and promote operational excellence.

Bharat Ports Global Consortium:

In line with India’s focus on strengthening its global trade connections, the Bharat Global Ports Consortium was also launched. This initiative is designed to enhance India’s maritime reach and global trade resilience by focusing on port expansion, operations, and financing.

By collaborating with key stakeholders, such as the Indian Port Global Limited (IPGL), SDCL (finance), and the Indian Port Rail Corporation Limited (IPRCL), the consortium aims to drive improvements in port infrastructure, enabling India to better support the ‘Make in India’ initiative and boost exports.

MAITRI Initiative:

·        Another notable development is the launch of the MAITRI (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface) logo.

·        This initiative is set to streamline international trade processes through digital integration, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain.

·        MAITRI will facilitate the creation of a ‘Virtual Trade Corridor’ (VTC) between India and the UAE as part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), with plans to extend the network to other regions, including ASEAN and BIMSTEC countries.

Conclusion:

India’s maritime sector is set for a major transformation with these initiatives. Standardized port operations, improved performance tracking, global trade collaborations, and digital integration will enhance efficiency and competitiveness. To maximize the impact, strong coordination, continued investment, and supportive policies are essential. These steps will strengthen India’s role in global trade and drive economic growth.