Majorly focusing on the preparation of state-specific Maritime and Waterways Transport Master Plans, the meeting, chaired by chaired by TK Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW, discussed the formulation of Maritime Sector Policies, Green Initiatives, Waterways Development, Cruise Tourism, Urban Water Transportation, and the Development of Lighthouses.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India, this week conveyed the review of the State Maritime & Waterways Transport Committee (SMWTC) formulated in various states via video conferencing. The meeting was chaired by TK Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW, and brought together senior officials from about 30 States and Union Territories to ensure comprehensive development of maritime and waterways transport across India.
Majorly focusing on the preparation of state-specific Maritime and Waterways Transport Master Plans, the meeting discussed the formulation of Maritime Sector Policies, Green Initiatives, Waterways Development, Cruise Tourism, Urban Water Transportation, and the Development of Lighthouses.
Exploration of opportunities to boost tourism and enhance urban water transport systems and plans to develop lighthouses as tourist attractions and to improve their navigational efficiency was also the part of discussions. Secretary MoPSW also mentioned that the Kochi Water Metro model could be adopted in various other states, such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, and Goa.
Ramachandran also highlighted the significance of the Sagarmala Programme and the NMHC at Lothal in enhancing India’s maritime heritage and infrastructure.
During the meeting, there were also detailed discussions on the development of customised master plans for each state to address unique challenges and opportunities in the maritime and waterways transport sector; Formulation and implementation of comprehensive policies to promote growth and sustainability in the maritime sector.
Ramachandran, in his opening remarks, emphasised the importance of a unified approach to managing and integrating the waterways transportation sector. “Today’s meeting marks a significant step towards realizing our vision of a robust and sustainable maritime and waterways transport system in India. Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister, the collaborative efforts of state and central agencies will be crucial in driving this sector forward,” he stated.
Recognising the need for a unified approach to manage and integrate the waterways transportation sector, MoPSW has established SMWTCs to coordinate various initiatives and schemes within each state. These committees will be pivotal in consolidating efforts and providing focused leadership in the maritime and waterways sector. Each SMWTC will be headed by the Chief Secretary or Additional Chief Secretary and include representatives from major ports, maritime boards, state PWD, Inland Waterways, Department of Tourism, Department of Fisheries, Railways, NHAI, Customs, and more.
The Secretary applauded the efforts of the Chief Secretaries and Additional Chief Secretaries, who presented progress reports from their respective states. “The commitment and proactive steps taken by the states are commendable. MoPSWs goal is to establish SMWTCs in all 30 states and UTs, ensuring that every region benefits from the transformative potential of maritime and waterways transport,” he remarked.
The meeting concluded with a pledge to foster collaborative solutions to enhance maritime and waterways transport in India. The Ministry reaffirmed its support for states in addressing issues and implementing initiatives that align with national maritime objectives. Joint Secretary (Sagarmala) emphasised, “Ministry is committed towards ensuring necessary funds and comprehensive support for planning and development of various transformative projects in each State and UT. MoPSW’s goal is to foster sustainable growth and development in the maritime sector”.
Currently, SMWTCs have been constituted in 13 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Bihar, Assam, Goa, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Lakshadweep, with plans to establish them in all 30 coastal and waterways states and UTs of India.
