What happened
The Government of India announced steps to strengthen maritime employment through expanded onboard sea-time training capacity and to scale cargo transportation through inland waterways.
What happened on maritime training capacity
The Government created 96 training berths on the passenger vessel MV Swaraj Dweep of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), for General Purpose (GP) Rating and Certificate Course in Maritime Catering (CCMC) pathways.
What happened on inland waterways cargo movement
The Government highlighted development of National Waterways under the National Waterways Act, 2016, and linked planning to Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The Government reported National Waterways cargo movement rising from 18 million tons in 2013-14 to 218 million tons in 2025-26.
Related current affairs
- Development of Inland Waterways (IWT) and related projects under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
- Coastal shipping promotion, maritime digital/regulatory reforms and skill development in ports/shipping/waterways
- Maritime India Vision 2030: port capacity, PPP share, inland waterways, cruise tourism and sustainable port operations
- Operational inland waterways: 32 National Waterways, funding allocation and cargo/passenger traffic details
- Union Budget 2026: Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to double share of coastal shipping & inland waterways by 2047
- MSDE/Skill India: Training for AI and other emerging technologies under PMKVY 4.0, CTS/ITIs and related initiatives