India to explore launching dedicated satellite for maritime, port ops
According to the Union Minister, the proposed system would provide exclusive coverage for Indian coastal waters, inland waterways and port regions.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, announced that the ministry will explore the possibility of launching a dedicated satellite or acquiring a transponder to strengthen India’s maritime governance and port management infrastructure.
“Our Ministry should plan to launch a satellite of our own or acquire a dedicated transponder for the Indian maritime sector. This will strengthen India’s coastal and port management infrastructure through advanced space-based solutions,” Sonowal urged the top officials of the ministry on the occasion of National Space Day.
According to the Union Minister, the proposed system would provide exclusive coverage for Indian coastal waters, inland waterways and port regions, integrating with national maritime databases to offer real-time monitoring of vessel traffic, navigational safety and port operations.
“This will help in enhanced vessel traffic monitoring, real-time ship tracking across India’s coastline and EEZ, early identification of congestion and improved navigational safety. It will also improve preparedness for search-and-rescue, pollution control and disaster management, while reducing dependence on foreign navigation systems and supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of PM Narendra Modi,” Sonowal added.
