Indian Minister Reviews Infrastructure Progress at Deendayal Port Authority

## Indian Minister Reviews Infrastructure Progress at Deendayal Port Authority Shri Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, conducted a high-level review visit to Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, chairing a formal meeting focused on the port's operational performance and infrastructure development pipeline, according to Port Technology International. The visit, which commenced with a ceremonial Guard of Honour, underscores the Indian government's continued focus on modernising and expanding the country's major port infrastructure as part of its broader maritime development agenda. Deendayal Port Authority — formerly known as Kandla Port — holds strategic significance as one of India's largest ports by cargo volume, serving as a critical gateway for commodity imports including crude oil, fertilisers, and bulk cargo destined for the country's northwestern hinterland. The port's performance is closely watched as an indicator of India's broader trade and logistics capacity. The ministerial review is consistent with the Indian government's 'Maritime India Vision 2030' and the 'Sagarmala Programme', both of which prioritise port-led development, capacity augmentation, and improved connectivity across the country's major maritime hubs. While specific details of the infrastructure projects reviewed during the meeting were not fully disclosed, such high-level engagements typically encompass assessments of berth capacity, cargo handling efficiency, mechanisation initiatives, and connectivity improvements linking port facilities to road and rail networks. The visit signals continued political attention to port sector performance at a time when India is actively seeking to increase its share of global maritime trade and reduce logistics costs for exporters and importers alike. *Source: Port Technology International*