Vision 2047: Blueprint to multiply port handling capacity by 4X

With an aim to multiply the handling capacity of its ports four-fold to 10,000 million tonnes per annum, the Indian government is working extensively on a comprehensive ports master plan, to be achieved by 2047, which is also the 100 year of India’s Independence.

According to a report published in Economic Times, Vision 2047 is to increase the port handling capacity to 10,000 MTPA. “The outline of the plan will spell out soon. There will be avenues for private participation that are being worked upon,” a senior official told ET.

At present, the total annual capacity of major ports stands at 1,597,59 mtpa while non-major ports can handle 1,007.40 mtpa. This combines the country’s total operational port capacity to 2,604.99 mtpa. Notably, India has 12 major ports and 78 operational non-major ports.

Earlier this year, the shipping ministry directed the Indian Ports Association, an apex body of major ports, to integrate all ports’ master plans with respect to vision 2047 and prepare a comprehensive plan.

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According to Economic Times, the latest goal is well above the targets underlined under the ongoing Sagarmala programme that aims to bolster port capacity by 800 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa) to an overall 3,500 mmtpa by 2035.

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