India has set a target to increase the port handling capacity to 10,000 MTPA under its Vision 2047 and all the major ports preparing a master plan in order to become mega ports by 2047, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Secretary TK Ramachandran, said.

“The goal under Vision 2047 is to increase the port handling capacity to 10,000 MTPA. Contours of the plan will soon be spelled out. There will be avenues for private participation that are being worked upon,” the Secretary said.

He further said that all ports are preparing a master plan in order to become mega ports by 2047. “Improving port infrastructure and facilities, reducing turnaround time, and increasing handling capacity will be the bedrock of the 2047 target,” Ramachandran added.

According to the ministry, the latest goal is well above the targets set under the ongoing Sagarmala programme that aims boosting port capacity by 800 MMTPA to an overall 3,500 MMTPA by 2035.

As a part of Sagarmala programme, more than 800 projects at an estimated cost of Rs 5.5 lakh crore have been identified for implementation during 2015-2035. In a nearer goal, the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 has a goal to develop global standard ports in India.

The MIV 2030 estimates investments to the tune of Rs 1-1.25 lakh crore for capacity augmentation and infrastructure development at Indian ports.

Meanwhile, Ramachandran, inaugurated and laid foundation stone of several projects worth more than Rs 13 crore undertaken by the Paradip Port Authority (PPA). He inaugurated the Trauma and Burn Care (TBC) Centre in the newly constructed Annex building of Paradip Port Hospital and laid the foundation stone for the water treatment plant of PPA. The project, being constructed at a cost of Rs 10.50 crore.