
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled a range of transformative initiatives designed to modernize India’s maritime infrastructure and strengthen its position in global trade. These announcements were made at a stakeholder meeting in Mumbai, in line with the Union Budget’s focus on revitalizing the maritime sector. The initiatives aim to streamline operations, enhance port efficiency, promote international trade, and advance India’s shipbuilding industry.
One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP): Standardizing Port Operations
One of the most important initiatives introduced is the ‘One Nation-One Port Process’ (ONOP), an innovative effort designed to remove inefficiencies and establish a cohesive operational framework across India’s major ports. By standardizing documentation and streamlining processes, ONOP is expected to:
- Reduce operational delays by ensuring uniform port procedures.
- Cut logistics costs by optimizing workflow and eliminating redundancies.
- Enhance India’s global competitiveness by aligning port operations with international standards.
This initiative is crucial for positioning India as a leading maritime hub, boosting economic growth, and strengthening the nation’s trade infrastructure.