India’s maritime sector is undergoing a major transformation driven by reforms, investments and technology upgrades aimed at reducing logistics costs and positioning the country as a global maritime powerhouse by 2047. In an exclusive interaction, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal outlined the government’s roadmap under Sagarmala 2.0, PM Gati Shakti and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Sonowal said that while India’s maritime vision extends to 2047, the government has defined measurable near-term goals to deliver tangible benefits for exporters. Between 2024 and 2026, the ministry has prioritised ₹1.05 lakh crore in investments under these flagship programmes. For FY2025–26, key targets include reducing vessel turnaround time from 49.5 to 48.2 hours, container turnaround from 30.1 to 28.8 hours, and export dwell time from 86.1 to 79.7 hours—steps that are expected to cut logistics costs by 5–8%. Digitalisation remains central to these efforts, with initiatives such as One Nation–One Port and Maritime Single Window 2.0 streamlining approvals, reducing vessel idle time and boosting transparency across port operations.
India’s major ports handled 855 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2024–25, supported by strong container growth. Yet, Sonowal said, further efficiency gains are within reach. The focus in 2025–26 will be on enhancing vessel turnaround, berth productivity and multimodal connectivity. Under the Comprehensive Port Connectivity Plan, ports including JNPA, Paradip, Deendayal, Kamarajar, Cochin and Visakhapatnam are implementing major infrastructure upgrades. These measures are expected to push major port traffic to 904 MMT in 2025–26 and reduce export costs by up to 8%, placing Indian ports among the world’s most efficient by 2030.
While coastal shipping remains a cost-effective and sustainable mode of transport, freight in India continues to rely heavily on roads due to connectivity gaps and regulatory hurdles. Sonowal said the government is pursuing a twin strategy of policy reform and targeted infrastructure investment to make water transport competitive. The Coastal Shipping Bill, priority berthing, green-channel clearances and port rebates are cutting vessel idle time and operating costs, while Sagarmala and CPCP projects are expanding coastal berths, dredging capacity and multimodal logistics links. “The goal is clear,” he said. “To make water transport as convenient as road, lowering exporters’ logistics costs while ensuring cleaner, more sustainable trade.”
On shipbuilding, the minister acknowledged that while India has achieved self-sufficiency in naval vessels, commercial shipbuilding still lags behind. With over 40 shipyards, India currently ranks 16th globally in shipbuilding capacity. “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are implementing schemes to position India among the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047,” Sonowal said. He highlighted the need to strengthen domestic ancillary industries, particularly in engine and propulsion manufacturing, to support growth in commercial shipbuilding. “As new capacity comes online, ancillary industries will also grow, creating a self-reliant shipbuilding ecosystem,” he added.
On the issue of the U.S. revoking the sanctions waiver for Iran’s Chabahar Port, Sonowal reaffirmed India’s commitment to the project, describing it as a cornerstone of India’s connectivity vision for Afghanistan and Central Asia. “Under our 10-year agreement, India Ports Global Ltd continues to manage operations at Shahid Beheshti Port since 2018,” he said. The focus, he added, is on ensuring operational continuity through diplomatic engagement while maintaining compliance with international obligations. To mitigate risks, IPGL has launched a diversification strategy and is exploring partnerships across Myanmar, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Oman.
Highlighting the growing significance of India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, Sonowal said the flagship event has evolved into South Asia’s premier platform for maritime collaboration, technology exchange and investment. “As the flagship event of the Ministry of Ports, under the leadership of our dynamic Prime Minister Narendra Modi, IMW showcases advancements in port development, maritime technology, logistics and sustainability,” he said. IMW 2025 is expected to anchor investments worth ₹8 trillion and generate 1.5 crore jobs by 2047, aligning closely with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Summing up, Sonowal said India’s maritime transformation rests on three key pillars—capacity, connectivity and competitiveness. Through Sagarmala 2.0, CPCP and shipbuilding reforms, the government envisions a self-reliant, efficient and sustainable maritime ecosystem that will anchor India’s rise as a global trade leader by 2047.
