Sarbananda Sonowal has unveiled NIVIDA, India’s first AI-powered tender evaluation platform, aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accuracy in tender assessment processes across the maritime sector.
The platform was launched during the 37th Foundation Day celebrations of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). Developed by JNPA in collaboration with AI Transmute Solutions, NIVIDA leverages artificial intelligence to streamline tender evaluation and strengthen decision-making mechanisms.
According to officials, the AI-based platform is designed to reduce manual intervention, accelerate evaluation timelines, improve transparency, and minimise errors in tender scrutiny. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader push toward digital governance and technology-driven infrastructure management.
During the event, Sonowal also launched the Indigenous Vessel Traffic Services (iVTS) system, a technology platform developed to strengthen India’s indigenous maritime traffic management capabilities and improve operational efficiency at ports.
The programme further witnessed the signing of multiple strategic agreements focused on sustainability, infrastructure development, energy efficiency, and advanced technology adoption.
JNPA signed a memorandum of understanding with CSIR-NEERI for environmental planning, climate resilience, pollution management, and ESG-related initiatives. Additional partnerships included collaborations with CESL for EV charging and battery-swapping infrastructure, RECPDCL for shore power systems, EESL for energy-efficiency and solar projects, and IIT Madras for advanced maritime technologies including digital twins, navigation systems, simulation tools, and indigenous vessel management solutions.
Speaking at the event, Sonowal highlighted JNPA’s growing focus on innovation, digital transformation, and operational excellence as India strengthens its position in the global maritime and logistics ecosystem.
Officials stated that the launch of NIVIDA aligns with national initiatives focused on ease of doing business, digital infrastructure development, and modernisation of maritime governance systems under long-term infrastructure and logistics growth plans.
The development comes as India accelerates investments in port modernisation, logistics integration, maritime technology, and digital infrastructure to improve trade competitiveness and cargo handling efficiency.
JNPA, India’s largest container port, handled over 102 million metric tonnes of cargo during FY26 and crossed the 8 million TEU milestone, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s most important maritime gateways.
Industry experts believe AI-powered platforms such as NIVIDA could significantly improve procurement efficiency, project execution timelines, governance standards, and operational transparency across large-scale infrastructure and port development projects in the future.