India’s maritime sector is projected to attract investments worth ₹80 lakh crore and generate 1.5 crore jobs under the government’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Tuesday. The plan includes measures to promote green shipping and modernise infrastructure.
“India’s maritime growth story is about prosperity, sustainability, and pride in our heritage,” Sonowal said. “From efficient ports to digital shipping, every initiative reflects Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of combining economic strength with environmental responsibility.”
Flagship programmes and port projects
The government’s Sagarmala programme has 840 projects worth ₹5.8 lakh crore under implementation by 2035, of which 272 projects worth ₹1.41 lakh crore have been completed.
Among upcoming projects, the ₹76,000 crore Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra is expected to rank among the world’s top 10 container ports and create 12 lakh jobs.
India’s major ports have reduced turnaround time to 0.9 days, which is below benchmarks in the United States, Germany and Singapore. Nine Indian ports are currently ranked among the world’s top 100.
The government has also enacted five new legislations following consultations with stakeholders and set up a ₹25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund to support shipbuilding, large vessels and inland water transport.
Kerala’s role in maritime expansion
Kerala has been identified as a significant driver in the sector’s expansion. The Vizhinjam International Seaport, operational since 2024, has handled 10.6 lakh TEUs and nearly 500 ships. Cochin Shipyard is expanding its shipbuilding and repair capabilities.
“Kerala anchors India’s vision of becoming maritime superpower by 2047,” Sonowal said. “The Cochin Port and its Vallarpadam transshipment terminal are set for further expansion.”
Under Sagarmala, 54 projects worth ₹24,000 crore are being executed in the state, with 20 completed so far. These include modernised fishing harbours at Kochi, Kannur and Thrissur.
The Kochi Water Metro, Asia’s largest integrated water transport system, is operating 78 electric-hybrid vessels across 10 island communities. National Waterway 3 and the International Cruise Terminal in Kochi have also boosted connectivity and tourism, with the terminal handling 105 cruise ships and 1.4 lakh passengers in three years.
With India Maritime Week 2025 scheduled in Mumbai this October, the government expects discussions on decarbonisation, supply chain resilience, cybersecurity and sustainable shipping to attract further international investment.
“A new era of maritime glory has begun,” Sonowal said. “Kerala’s success is proof that India’s maritime sector can combine tradition with technology, history with modernity, to power our rise as a maritime superpower and a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
