India’s maritime sector is set to attract investments of around Rs 80 lakh crore by 2047 as part of the government’s long-term vision to transform the country’s ports into globally competitive, sustainable gateways, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) in New Delhi, Sonowal said the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 provides a clear roadmap to expand port capacity, boost green initiatives and deepen digitisation. “The Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to transforming Indian ports into modern, efficient and sustainable gateways that can compete on a global scale,” he said.
New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), Karnataka’s maritime gateway, celebrates 50 years of operations, evolving from handling a few thousand tonnes of cargo to becoming one of India’s leading ports. The port integrates advanced mechanisation, digitisation, and sustainable energy practices, reflecting decades of planning and modernisation.
Sonowal noted, “Through meticulous planning, modern infrastructure creation, advanced mechanisation, and green initiatives, NMPA has created a legacy of excellence. Its vision to handle 100 million tonnes by 2047 demonstrates the scale of ambition driving India’s maritime growth.”
Launching eight new projects of NMPA, Sonowal noted that the port has grown into one of India’s top performers, handling 46.01 million tonnes of cargo in FY25, up from just a few thousand tonnes in its early years. He said the port is constructing another deep-draft general-cargo berth and is now the country’s second-largest LPG-handling facility. Cruise tourism, he added, is emerging as a new growth avenue, with vessels calling regularly at the port since 2002.
A.V. Ramana, Chairman of NMPA, said the port’s golden jubilee marks a moment of immense pride. “From a single berth to one of India’s leading ports, NMPA’s journey has been built on the dedication of its workforce, stakeholders and partners. The projects launched today are milestones in making NMPA future-ready,” he said.
Ports as Engines of Economic Growth
India’s ports are fast emerging as the engines driving its next phase of economic expansion. With more than 7,500 km of coastline and a network of major and minor ports handling 95 per cent of India’s trade by volume, the maritime sector has become central to the country’s growth ambitions. No longer just cargo gateways, ports are evolving into integrated logistics and industrial ecosystems supporting regional development.
The Centre’s Sagarmala and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 programmes are reshaping India’s maritime landscape. Together, they aim to draw investments of about Rs 80 lakh crore by 2047 through modernisation, digitalisation, and green infrastructure. Under Sagarmala, 840 projects worth Rs 5.8 lakh crore are underway, with 272 already completed. The focus remains on improving port connectivity, capacity, and operational efficiency — key to reducing logistics costs and strengthening export competitiveness.
At the heart of this transformation is the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, a flagship project with an estimated cost of Rs 76,000 crore. Recognised as a port of national importance, Vadhavan will feature nine container terminals capable of handling 23.2 million TEUs, ranking it among the world’s top ten ports once operational. It is expected to ease congestion at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port and boost India’s west coast trade capacity.
“Vadhavan Port is not just a new port; it represents a new maritime vision,” said Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways. “It will create a strong maritime ecosystem, generate large-scale employment, and reinforce India’s position in the global trade network.”
Complementing physical infrastructure, the ministry is advancing digital and sustainable practices across major ports. The One Nation One Port Process (ONOP) aims to unify operational and documentation systems, while a proposed Rs 25,000-crore Maritime Development Fund will help finance port upgrades, shipbuilding, and expansion of Indian-flagged vessels.
“Ports are not just trade gateways; they are growth gateways,” Sonowal said. “Our maritime vision combines sustainability, technology, and inclusivity — ensuring that ports become catalysts for industrial growth and green transition.”
India is also partnering with the Netherlands to develop a green and digital corridor between Indian ports and Rotterdam, focusing on clean energy trade such as green hydrogen and ammonia. The initiative aligns with India’s larger goal of positioning itself as a leader in global maritime sustainability.
What Lies Ahead for India’s Maritime Future?
India’s maritime sector is set for a transformative leap, backed by strategic investments and robust infrastructure upgrades. Major ports recorded 855 million tonnes of cargo in FY25, up 4.3 per cent from FY24, while container turnaround time improved to 49 hours from 93 hours in 2014. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) achieved 145.5 MMT cargo movement, with projections exceeding 200 MMT by 2030, supported by initiatives like the Jalvahak Cargo Promotion Scheme.
The nation is strengthening shipbuilding and logistics capabilities with three new clusters along the east and west coasts, backed by Rs. 75,000 crore investment over five years. The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy 2.0 incentivises green-fuel and hybrid vessels, while 574 Sagarmala projects worth Rs. 6,00,000 crore and 234 port modernisation schemes are reshaping India’s coastal and port infrastructure, boosting efficiency, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said the sector is entering a new growth phase. “The maritime sector is undergoing a sea change. Reforms like infrastructure status, shipbuilding incentives, and the Maritime Development Fund are reshaping India’s port ecosystem and aligning it with global benchmarks,” he noted.
Referring to the upcoming India Maritime Week, Lakshmanan said the event, scheduled in Mumbai from October 27 to 31, will showcase India’s maritime achievements on the global stage. “The Prime Minister, Home Minister and international leaders from countries such as Norway, Denmark and Saudi Arabia will join global industry heads during India Maritime Week. It will be an excellent platform to explore opportunities in the Indian maritime landscape,” he added.
In FY25, NMPA handled 46.01 million tonnes of cargo, constructed a new deep-draft general cargo berth, and became the country’s second-largest LPG-handling facility. Cruise tourism is expanding, and a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital under PPP model is under development to serve local communities. A commemorative postal stamp and coin were also released to mark the port’s 50-year milestone. |
