AnanyaAIR 13 · CSE 2025 · 234 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a figure
Indian shipping contributes almost 70% by value and ≈ 90% by volume of all Indian exports. For this the role of ports becomes extremely important. To realise this, the govt. has asked all ports to become mega ports by 2047.
Body · points
Advantages of mega Ports Creation
1. Easy docking of ships
2. Increase port infrastructure
3. Reduce time in custom clearance on ports
4. Promote trade
5. Interoperability between ports and hinterland improves
6. Promote Ease of Doing business
7. Boost Indian economy
Challenges faced
- In India, there are only 12 major ports (13th recently approved)
- The ports are not deep sea ports
- This (absence of deep sea port) increase dependence on countries like Sri Lanka
- Inland ports underdeveloped → affects connectivity (Eg: in Kolkata port)
- Issues like siltation, meandering of rivers add to port issue
- Ports are not properly regulated (Eg: many inland ports are regulated by State Ferries Act, which has become archaic)
- Transhipment issues
- Lack of connectivity of port to hinterland
- Development of port is slow → conflict of land acquisition, environment clearance etc.
Measures
- Port development under Sagar Mala Scheme →
- Promote port modernization
- Port-led development
- Development of Coastal Communities
- Connectivity to hinterland by road & railway should increase
- Building more ports at fast pace
- Decongestion of existing ports (Eg: Nava Sheva)
- Countering issues like [piracy] → cause reluctance amongst businesses to use port/shipping infrastructure
- Faster custom clearance on ports (Eg: AEO (Authorised Economic Operator agreement))
Close · a way forward
These steps combined can strengthen the port infrastructure of India leading to a Viksit Bharat by 2047