The Indian port sector has gathered pace with the government´s focus on revival of the manufacturing sector through the ´Make in India´ campaign. The manufacturing sector is likely to drive the growth of the port sector as the carrier of cargo - ports

The ambitious Sagarmala project for the comprehensive development and diversification of activities at major ports

JSW Jaigarh Port achieved another significant distinction on April 17th , 2015 by becoming the first port on the Coast of Maharashtra to berth a capesize vessel, MV Indian Friendship (200000 DWT)

In order to boost the shipping sector, the Union Government has taken several initiatives, such as facilitating the development of new ports

The Government gave ´in principle´nod to Sagarmala project, which is aimed at port-led development in coastal states. ´The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its ´in-principle´approval for the concept and institutional framework of Sagarmala Project,´ an official statement said.

The Indian coastline is dotted with 13 major ports and about 200 non-major ports. According to the Ministry of Shipping, the Indian shipping and ports sector is the carrier of around 95 per cent of India´s trade by volume and 70 per cent by value.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon be heading another body, a port infrastructure development initiative-National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC). The PM´s committee is expected to oversee a company, Sagarmala Development Company (SDC) with the Shipping Minister as its Chairman and the Shipping Secretary as the Co-chairman.

The government will develop 10 Coastal Economic Regions (CERs) in the influence zone.

BVJK Sharma, Jt Managing Director and CEO, JSW Infrastructure Ltd, tells RAHUL KAMAT that the government must incorporate the railways, road and shipping ministries under one to curb logjams and avoid inter-ministerial issues.