Sonowal Reviews Maritime Reforms And Launches Reform Utsav

29 May 2026 CW Team

The minister directed the creation of a monitoring and coordination committee to fast-track grievances, court matters and pending issues through structured reviews and inter-agency coordination. Departments were told to focus grievance redressal on ground-level resolution and to strengthen follow-up on public representations. Outcome-based targets and continuous assessment were made central to implementation.

Sonowal announced a nationwide Maritime Reform Utsav to mark the completion of 12 years of reforms and growth and to showcase achievements in ports, shipping, inland waterways, coastal infrastructure, green shipping and digitalisation. The initiative is intended to present India as a modern and globally competitive maritime nation. It will highlight connectivity projects and sectoral reforms implemented under the reform agenda.

The Ministry decided to develop an integrated digital platform and mobile application under the Directorate General of Shipping to provide a unified stakeholder interface, real-time service delivery, digital documentation and grievance mechanisms. The review prioritised technological integration, including artificial intelligence and data-driven governance, to improve operational efficiency and transparency. Strengthening data-sharing across institutions was identified as essential for effective monitoring.

Officials were urged to enhance coordination with other ministries, state governments, port authorities and industry to accelerate decision-making and project execution, and to increase participation in consultative processes. The minister directed investment in skill development and specialised training programmes with emphasis on digital governance and logistics integration. A committee will compile outcomes from the Prime Minister's five-day, five-nation visit to ensure timely implementation and inter-agency accountability.

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Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a high-level review with senior officials to set a reform-driven roadmap aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The meeting prioritised strengthening governance, improving ease of doing business and ensuring time-bound implementation of maritime initiatives. It emphasised accountable institutional mechanisms and regular monitoring to deliver citizen-centric benefits. The minister directed the creation of a monitoring and coordination committee to fast-track grievances, court matters and pending issues through structured reviews and inter-agency coordination. Departments were told to focus grievance redressal on ground-level resolution and to strengthen follow-up on public representations. Outcome-based targets and continuous assessment were made central to implementation. Sonowal announced a nationwide Maritime Reform Utsav to mark the completion of 12 years of reforms and growth and to showcase achievements in ports, shipping, inland waterways, coastal infrastructure, green shipping and digitalisation. The initiative is intended to present India as a modern and globally competitive maritime nation. It will highlight connectivity projects and sectoral reforms implemented under the reform agenda. The Ministry decided to develop an integrated digital platform and mobile application under the Directorate General of Shipping to provide a unified stakeholder interface, real-time service delivery, digital documentation and grievance mechanisms. The review prioritised technological integration, including artificial intelligence and data-driven governance, to improve operational efficiency and transparency. Strengthening data-sharing across institutions was identified as essential for effective monitoring. Officials were urged to enhance coordination with other ministries, state governments, port authorities and industry to accelerate decision-making and project execution, and to increase participation in consultative processes. The minister directed investment in skill development and specialised training programmes with emphasis on digital governance and logistics integration. A committee will compile outcomes from the Prime Minister's five-day, five-nation visit to ensure timely implementation and inter-agency accountability.

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