India approves revised captive port policy to spur private investment

The Union Cabinet approved a revised Captive Port Policy that updates the 2016 framework governing waterfront and land allocation to Port Dependent Industries (PDIs) at India's major ports. The new rules allow concession periods of up to 30 years, give existing captive users a right of first refusal on competitive bids for capacity expansion, and let eligible government entities obtain waterfront access without a fresh tender.

The policy introduces a structured mechanism for expanding berths, jetties, terminals and single‑buoy moorings, with price discovery through competitive bidding while protecting existing operators. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the reforms provide long‑term certainty, improve infrastructure utilisation and create a transparent, investor‑friendly environment for port‑linked industrial growth.