Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Monday announced that the state has signed 15 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 56,000 crore to boost maritime development.
According to the news agency PTI, while speaking at the India Maritime Week 2025, Fadnavis said the agreements span port expansion, shipyard development, technology upgrades, and allied maritime activities. He did not specify a timeline for implementation but expressed confidence that the investments would help make Maharashtra a “maritime superpower”.
“These 15 MoUs represent an investment of Rs 56,000 crore,” Fadnavis said, adding, “With these partnerships, we are taking concrete steps toward transforming Maharashtra into India’s leading maritime hub.”
Among the major agreements, one has been signed with the Adani Group for the expansion of Dighi Port and the development of a large industrial zone around it in collaboration with the Central government, PTI reported. The JSW Group has also committed to expanding its facilities at Jaigad Port, part of the state’s 700-km coastline, to strengthen integration with global supply chains.
Further, the state government plans to introduce a ‘water taxi’ service linking the newly inaugurated Navi Mumbai Airport to the Gateway of India in South Mumbai—making it the first airport in the country to offer such a service.
In addition, Fadnavis announced plans for a world-class marina in Mumbai to promote water transport and water sports. Maharashtra has also signed MoUs focused on developing maritime technology, human resource training, and centres of excellence in the sector.
Fadnavis assured investors that the state will work closely with the Central government to create a seamless and business-friendly maritime ecosystem.
“We will succeed only if you succeed,” he said.
PM Modi to address India Maritime Week in Mumbai on Wednesday during special plenary session
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi will visit the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 on Wednesday, where he will tour exhibition centres and experience zones before addressing a global gathering, Union Minister for Shipping, Ports and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said in Mumbai on Monday.
The landmark maritime event, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has attracted participation from more than 85 nations, with over 350 global speakers and 11 foreign ministers in attendance, marking it as one of the largest maritime gatherings in the world.
“This particular journey is to make India one of the superpowers in the maritime sector,” minister Sonowal said at a press conference, adding that under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi, India is on track to become one of the top five shipbuilding nations globally by 2047.
The minister highlighted the transformative progress achieved over the past 11 years, noting that cargo handling capacity has increased by 200 to 300 per cent across different verticals. “Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the confidence of the people of the country has doubled,” Sonowal said.
(With PTI and ANI inputs)
