Maharashtra Steers India Towards Becoming a Maritime Superpower: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Vadhavan Port to Become the Epicentre of an Economic Revolution; Receives Enthusiastic Response at Maritime Summit 2025

Mumbai : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared that the construction of Vadhavan Port will serve as a catalyst for transforming Maharashtra and India into maritime superpowers. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Maritime Summit 2025, he emphasized that the port is not just an infrastructure project but a cornerstone of an impending economic revolution.

Organized by the Department of Fisheries and Ports, Government of Maharashtra, along with the Maharashtra Maritime Board, the summit was inaugurated by CM Fadnavis. Present at the event were Minister for Fisheries and Port Development Nitesh Rane, Additional Chief Secretary of Transport and Port Development Sanjay Sethi, Principal Secretary of Tourism Atul Patne, Secretary of Industries P. Anbalagan, CEO of Maharashtra Maritime Board Pradeep P., and JNPT Chairman Umesh Wagh.

Maharashtra’s Role in Maritime Vision 2030 and 2047

CM Fadnavis underlined the importance of India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision 2047, formulated by the central government. He said Maharashtra is working on developing its own comprehensive maritime vision in line with these policies, incorporating the recommendations from the summit.

“Ports like Mumbai Port and JNPT have played a vital role in establishing Mumbai as the financial capital of India. Now, as we aim to become a major global player in the supply chain, enhancing port capacity, efficiency, and connectivity is imperative,” the Chief Minister remarked.

Vadhavan Port: Among the World’s Top 10

Recalling how efforts to develop Vadhavan Port resumed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the current state government, CM Fadnavis said that the port project, initially under Maharashtra’s full jurisdiction, now has the central government as a key partner due to its scale. Once fully operational, Vadhavan is poised to rank among the world’s top ten deep-sea ports.

He added, “As India moves toward becoming the third-largest economy globally, Maharashtra is ready to lead from the front.”

Offshore Airport and Multimodal Connectivity

India’s first offshore airport is set to be developed near Vadhavan Port, enabling seamless multimodal connectivity via sea, rail, road, and air. Substantial investments have been made under the Sagarmala Project to ensure the port’s success. “Maharashtra holds immense potential in water transport, shipbuilding, and ship recycling,” CM Fadnavis added.

He also highlighted plans to establish a dedicated rail network to connect Vadhavan Port, simplifying logistics and strengthening cargo handling. Smaller, non-major ports are being developed to increase overall efficiency, shifting the focus from cargo handling alone to shipbuilding and inland water transport, particularly in areas like Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

Samruddhi Expressway Boosts Access to Ports

The Chief Minister pointed out that the Samruddhi Mahamarg (expressway) has significantly reduced transport times. Earlier, it took 6–7 days to move goods from inland districts to JNPT; now it takes less than 10 hours. This access is being extended to Vadhavan Port as well, linking it directly to 24 districts in the state via controlled-access roads.

Fadnavis also referenced the rich maritime history of Konkan, where ports were globally renowned centuries ago. “We are reviving this historic legacy,” he said, reiterating that Mumbai’s rise as an economic powerhouse is directly tied to its port infrastructure.

Vadhavan Port: Maharashtra’s Maritime Gamechanger

Minister for Fisheries and Port Development Nitesh Rane asserted that the Maritime Summit is not just another event but a decisive step toward placing Maharashtra at the forefront of India’s maritime ambitions. He credited Prime Minister Modi’s visionary leadership and CM Fadnavis’ proactive governance for driving initiatives that leverage Maharashtra’s coastline for port-led development, marine produce, and coastal transport.

“The Arabian Sea is not just our geographical boundary but a limitless opportunity,” Rane said.

Emphasis on Sustainability and Community Empowerment

Minister Rane emphasized that the state’s maritime vision goes beyond expansion — it’s based on sustainability. Green logistics, multimodal integration, and empowerment of coastal communities are central to Maharashtra’s marine strategy.

He noted that the Vadhavan Port project is Maharashtra’s most ambitious infrastructure initiative to date. With deep-water access, world-class logistics, and advanced container handling, it will be among the world’s best ports and a gamechanger for India’s global trade presence.

Global Collaboration and Skill Development

Rane shared that recent visits to the Netherlands opened up new international collaborations, with multiple MoUs signed. These are expected to bring in substantial investments and facilitate the modernization of six ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes) in the state, offering modern maritime training to over 7,000 youth annually.

The Maharashtra government has also announced the Shipbuilding, Ship Repair, and Ship Recycling Policy 2025. This policy offers capital subsidies, financial incentives for skill development, and streamlined approval processes.

Maharashtra Ready to Lead India’s Maritime Future

Minister Rane concluded by asserting that Maharashtra is fully equipped with policies, land, infrastructure, and leadership to drive India’s maritime transformation. “What we need now are partners — and that’s why this summit is vital,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Sanjay Sethi provided an overview of infrastructure development and connectivity improvements underway across the state’s port network.