Mumbai Port Authority, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, celebrated its 154th Foundation Day today in the presence of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Shri Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The Foundation Day programme was held on the theme “Together We Can”, recognizing the contribution of officers, employees, workers, port users, shipping lines, trade partners, service providers and stakeholders to the growth and functioning of Mumbai Port Authority.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways congratulated Mumbai Port Authority on completing 154 years of service. He recalled the long history of Mumbai Port and said that the port has played an important role in the growth of Mumbai from a harbour into India’s financial and commercial capital.
He extended his greetings to the Mumbai Port family and said that every achievement of the institution is the collective contribution of its officers, employees, workers, port users and other stakeholders. Referring to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for port-led growth, the Union Minister said that Mumbai Port occupies a special place in India’s maritime journey and is creating new opportunities for investment, tourism, logistics and energy security.
He also highlighted initiatives such as the International Cruise Terminal, ferry jetty projects, Jawahar Dweep reclamation and energy infrastructure projects being undertaken by Mumbai Port Authority. Addressing the gathering, Shri Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that Mumbai Port Authority has served trade, industry and the maritime community for more than a century and a half.
He acknowledged the role of officers, employees, workers and stakeholders in the continued growth and functioning of the port. The Union Minister also referred to the role of modern ports in India’s growth and said that institutions such as Mumbai Port Authority have an important responsibility in the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Shri Vijay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways noted that while the port carries a strong legacy, it is also embracing the future through initiatives in cruise tourism, waterfront development, green practices and efficient utilization of port assets.
He highlighted the port's highest-ever cargo throughput of 70 million tonnes and emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration in driving growth, efficiency and service excellence. In his address, Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairperson, Mumbai Port Authority, welcomed the dignitaries and participants.
He said that Foundation Day is an occasion to recall the institution’s long service to the nation and to acknowledge the contribution of all those associated with Mumbai Port Authority. A Foundation Day video was screened during the programme, presenting the journey of Mumbai Port Authority and its contribution to India’s maritime sector.
The programme also witnessed the exchange of the Indira Dock O&M Agreement and the Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina Agreement. These agreements form part of Mumbai Port Authority’s ongoing efforts towards strengthening port operations, waterfront development and optimal utilization of port assets.
As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, Mumbai Port Authority presents 63 projects with a total value of ₹5,028.17 crore across three phases. These included 7 projects for inauguration worth ₹132.29 crore, 34 projects for foundation stone laying worth ₹1,354.59 crore, and 22 projects for announcement worth ₹3,541.29 crore.
Shri Vijay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways , Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairperson, Mumbai Port Authority; Shri Adesh Titarmare, Deputy Chairperson, Mumbai Port Authority; Shri Gaurav Dayal, Chairperson, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority; and Shri Mayank Kumar, Principal Chief Commissioner, Mumbai Customs Zone-I, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, attended the programme.
A video marking 100 years of the Mumbai Port Sports Club was also screened during the programme. Awards were presented to sports achievers, stakeholders and employees in recognition of their service, contribution and achievements.The Foundation Day programme brought together the Mumbai Port family, port users, trade partners and stakeholders on a common platform.
It also recognized the efforts of employees, teams, sports achievers and stakeholders who contribute to the day-to-day functioning and development of the port. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Adesh Titarmare, Deputy Chairperson, Mumbai Port Authority.
He thanked the Union Minister, Minister of State, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, dignitaries, officers, employees, stakeholders, awardees and all teams associated with the successful conduct of the programme.