Shipping

India's Ports & Shipping sector is a linchpin in its economic framework, presently undergoing significant transformation due to strategic government initiatives. Notably, major ports handled over 855 Mn metric Tonnes of cargo in FY 2024-25, a testament to the sector's burgeoning capacity. The sector's importance is underscored by the ambitious Sagarmala Programme, which aims to reduce logistics costs for EXIM and domestic trade by optimising the use of India's 11,098.81 Km coastline. The Maritime Amrit Kal Vision 2047, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Sagarmala Programme have a roadmap investment exceeding $1 Tn to improve port infrastructure, enhance shipbuilding and ship repair, encourage inland waterways and coastal shipping along with associated operational efficiencies. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has achieved significant by passing five key maritime acts namely Indian Ports Act, Merchant Shipping Act 2025, Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, Bills of Lading Act, Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 bringing India’s maritime governance in line with international standards, enhancing ease of doing business and creating a modern legal and regulatory ecosystem for ports, shipping and trade.

Complementing these reforms are major multimodal connectivity initiatives such as dedicated freight corridors and inland waterways that will better integrate the logistics network and significantly reduce transportation costs.

At the same time, India’s ports are emerging as vibrant hubs of economic activity, with container traffic at major ports recording substantial growth. To meet rising demand, capacity augmentation projects are underway, including the development of deep-draft ports at Vadhavan and Galathea Bay. These ports are designed to handle larger vessels, improving operational efficiency and reducing turnaround time.

Together, these measures underscore India’s commitment to driving economic growth, facilitating trade, and ensuring sustainable development in the maritime sector.