Gujarat Drafts New Maritime Policy To Address Gaps In 2019 Framework

Acknowledging the limited success of the 2019 policy, the Gujarat government has initiated efforts to draft a new port policy. Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) Vice Chairman and senior IAS officer Rajkumar Beniwal confirmed that stakeholder consultations are underway, and a revised framework will be introduced in the coming months.

“All efforts will be made to address the gaps in the previous policy,” Beniwal said. “We will consult industry stakeholders and subject experts to ensure that the new policy accelerates port development, attracts greater investment, and creates more employment opportunities.”

With a 1,600-kilometre-long strategic coastline, Gujarat holds a critical position in India’s maritime landscape. Recognising the role of ports in driving industrial and commercial growth, the state established the GMB in 1982 for systematic port management. The first port policy in 1995 sought to liberalise the sector, encourage private participation, and attract investments. After a long gap, the government under then Chief Minister Vijay Rupani introduced a new policy in 2019, promising major reforms and incentives.

However, the policy has failed to deliver the expected outcomes. Neither significant investments nor visible development have followed, raising questions about the implementation and effectiveness of the 2019 policy. Despite government claims of progress and Gujarat becoming a maritime gateway for goods from the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, the ground reality tells a different story.

Promises vs. Performance

The 2019 policy introduced key reforms, including allowing 32 captive jetties to handle third-party cargo without restrictions. Companies operating captive jetties were permitted to increase cargo-handling capacity and even manage cargo from other firms by paying double the wharfage charges. Additionally, it provided for the entry of new entrepreneurs into the port sector, with an investment threshold of ₹300 crore and a target to create five million metric tons of additional port capacity.

Yet, no official data has been released about the number of companies that expressed interest or how much investment materialised. The Gujarat Maritime Board has not disclosed how many Expressions of Interest (EOIs) were issued or the status of proposed projects. Senior GMB officials have also refrained from commenting publicly on these matters.

Uncertainty Around MoUs from Vibrant Gujarat Summit

The gap between policy announcements and execution is further highlighted by the outcome of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit held in January 2024. During the event, 98,540 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹45.2 lakh crore were signed with various departments. Of these, 161 MoUs, amounting to ₹1.44 lakh crore, were dedicated to port and port-based projects.

More than a year later, there is still no official update on how much of that promised investment has been realised in the port sector. Once again, GMB officials have remained silent on the progress or status of these commitments.

As Gujarat prepares to overhaul its port strategy, expectations are high for a policy that can truly unlock the state's maritime potential. With the right approach, the upcoming policy could transform Gujarat into a leading logistics and port hub not only for India but also for international trade corridors.