Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches New Maritime Initiatives to Enhance India’s Global Trade.

National | Dated: 01 Mar 2025

On February 27, 2025, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), launched several initiatives, including One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP), Bharat Global Ports Consortium, and the MAITRI Application (App), aimed at modernizing India's maritime infrastructure and enhancing its position in global trade.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - These announcements were made during a stakeholder meeting in Mumbai (Maharashtra) focused on opportunities outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26 for the maritime sector.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The ONOP initiative was launched to streamline processes with Immigration, the Port Health Organization (PHO), and Port Authorities. It aims to reduce container documentation by 33% (from 143 to 96) and bulk cargo documents by 29% (from 150 to 106), addressing inefficiencies, costs, and operational delays.
  • (ii) The consortium comprises India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) in Mumbai (Maharashtra), Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL) in New Delhi (Delhi), and India Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) in New Delhi. It aims to enhance India's global port connectivity and trade infrastructure.
  • (iii) The MAITRI Application (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface) was launched to streamline trade processes, reduce bureaucratic redundancies, and expedite clearances, improving efficiency in India's maritime sector.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which Union Minister recently launched new maritime initiatives to enhance India's global trade?

Correct Answer: Sarbananda Sonowal

🚀 Quick Recap:

About MoPSW

  • Minister : Sh. Sarbananda Sonowal
  • Headquarters : New Delhi