Sarbananda Sonowal gets charge of ports, shipping, waterways ministry

New Delhi: Several key portfolios including health, law, Information and Technology, Railways and Shipping have gone to new ministers and junior ministers who got a promotion in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers that underwent a reboot today.

Former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has been given charge of two ministries of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, and Ayush after being inducted in the Narendra Modi government on Wednesday's reshuffle.

The 58-year-old Sonowal was Chief Minister of Assam from 2016-21 but did not have a second term despite leading the party to power as he stepped down in favour of Himanta Biswa Sarma.

He has been a two time MLA and MP and also served in the first Modi government as Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Sports and Youth Affairs.

Sonowal takes charge of the Shipping and Waterways Ministry when India is looking to put in place a wide navigational network of waterways in the country to ease pressure on roads and provide an alternate system for key transportation needs.

He will also have to work towards strengthening the country's network of major and minor ports that hold the key to strengthening India's trade.