Maharashtra is positioning itself as a leading destination for investment in the shipbuilding and port sectors, backed by its dedicated shipbuilding policy, said Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane.
Encouraging investors to capitalize on the state’s policy framework, Rane highlighted that Maharashtra is the first state in India to introduce its own shipbuilding policy. “This will enable Maharashtra to lead the nation in shipbuilding and port development. The state will extend full support to investors in this sector,” he said.
Rane added that Maharashtra has set up its own MCZE committee to simplify environmental clearances, ensuring faster project approvals. With industry-friendly policies and better facilities compared to other states, he assured that the government would take necessary steps to ensure timely implementation of projects.
The minister also announced plans to develop world-class waterways in Maharashtra to promote water transport, which would save both time and fuel while boosting the economy. A water metro service will soon be launched in Mumbai to ease transport congestion, alongside new Ro-Ro connections between Mumbai and the Konkan region. “Maharashtra has the capacity to lead the shipbuilding industry, and the government will extend full cooperation in terms of investment and tariff structures,” he said.
Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Sethi emphasized that ports and shipping already contribute significantly to the national economy. Maharashtra’s minor ports, he noted, are handling large cargo volumes and hold immense investment potential. The state is also participating in the Vadhavan port project and will promote cluster-based development to accelerate industrial growth.
With robust infrastructure, proactive policies, and strong institutional backing, Maharashtra is poised to emerge as a key hub for shipbuilding and maritime transport in the coming years.
