The government will explore the possibility of launching a dedicated satellite or acquiring a transponder to strengthen India&rsquo;s maritime governance and port management infrastructure, said Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. 
The ministry should plan to launch a satellite of our own or acquire a dedicated transponder for the Indian maritime sector, he added. 
&ldquo;This will strengthen India&rsquo;s coastal and port management infrastructure through advanced space-based solutions,&rdquo; Sonowal said. 
According to the 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. 
&ldquo;This will help in enhanced vessel traffic monitoring, real-time ship tracking across India&rsquo;s coastline and EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), 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 Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,&rdquo; Sonowal highlighted. 
The minister said the country has emerged as a global leader in science and technology. &ldquo;India has made remarkable progress as a nation in science and technology and has built one of the world&rsquo;s most respected and efficient space programmes,&rdquo; he noted. Sonowal recalled India&rsquo;s journey in space research, its quest of knowledge for the betterment of humanity. 
&ldquo;We also launched Aditya-L1 in 2023, India&rsquo;s first solar observatory to study the sun. More recently, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to complete a mission to the International Space Station.&nbsp;Soon, thanks to the hard work of our scientists, India will launch the Gaganyaan mission and build its own space station,&rdquo; the minister said.&nbsp;
Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, India&rsquo;s space programme has made remarkable progress in addressing diverse challenges and unlocking new frontiers of opportunity. 
&mdash;IANS&nbsp;

Minister Sonowal announces maritime satellite technology plan

Govt mulls dedicated satellite to boost maritime safety, vessel tracking & port management

Govt plans dedicated satellite for maritime sector

Govt mulls dedicated satellite to boost maritime safety, vessel tracking & port management

August 24, 2025 | 10:12 IST