By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA
Mumbai, September 18, 2025: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s largest container port, in collaboration with the Indian Ports Association, has commenced the first batch of Officers’ Induction Training Program, hosting participants from all major ports across the country. This initiative underscores JNPA’s emerging role as a hub of capacity building, knowledge sharing, and professional development within India’s port sector.

The program was inaugurated in the presence of T. K. Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW); Sandeep Gupta, Joint Secretary (PHRD), MoPSW; Vikas Narwal, Managing Director, IPA; Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson, JNPA and CMD, VPPL; along with JNPA HoDs and senior officials.

Designed to familiarise officers with the intricacies of port operations, administration, regulatory frameworks, and future-ready maritime practices, the two-week program integrates expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, case studies, and field exposure to key aspects of port management. It also includes a site visit and panel discussions to encourage practical learning and cross-exchange of ideas.

Addressing the participants, T. K. Ramachandran highlighted the Ministry’s vision of nurturing a future-ready maritime workforce. “The maritime sector is at the heart of our nation’s economic growth, and your role as future leaders will be pivotal in shaping its trajectory. Initiatives like this reflect our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and global competitiveness across India’s ports,” he said, while commending JNPA’s efforts in creating platforms for collaboration and capacity enhancement.

Sharing his thoughts, Unmesh Sharad Wagh emphasized JNPA’s commitment to developing human capital alongside world-class infrastructure. “Hosting the first batch of officers for this program highlights our dedication to knowledge sharing. By the end of this course, participants will carry valuable insights that will strengthen their professional journey,” he noted.

This program builds on JNPA’s consistent initiatives to promote cross-learning among ports. In 2022, JNPA hosted an orientation program for officers from all major ports to align leadership perspectives with modern port practices. Again, in 2024, JNPA brought together Secretaries of all major ports for an advanced training program aimed at strengthening inter-port coordination and institutional knowledge exchange.

The latest training initiative reflects JNPA’s vision of contributing not only to the operational excellence of its own port but also to the collective advancement of Indian ports through structured training, research, and collaborative engagement.