India maritime and shipping sector development

India is implementing several initiatives to strengthen its maritime and logistics sectors. In late October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme (CMPS) with a budget of ₹10,000 crore. This program, which runs through FY 2039-40, aims to increase annual container manufacturing capacity from 70,000 TEUs to 7.5 lakh TEUs to reduce import dependence.

By November 2026, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced a goal to double the share of coastal and inland waterway transport in national freight movement from 6 per cent to 12 per cent by 2047. To support this, the government is advancing the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme and the Cruise Bharat Mission. The latter aims to attract one million sea cruise passengers by 2029 and is expected to generate approximately 400,000 jobs.

Under the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme, introduced in the 2026-27 budget, incentives will be provided to cargo owners, coastal vessel operators, and multimodal transport operators using integrated ship, rail, and road networks. Officials estimate these maritime initiatives could create over 560,000 employment opportunities and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 16 million tonnes. Additionally, the Paradip Port Authority will develop the Puri International Cruise Terminal in partnership with the Odisha government, with an estimated investment of Rs 1,500 crore. While major projects like the Puri terminal are moving forward, some regional efforts, such as the West Coast Canal Development Project in Kerala, face uncertainty due to funding and land acquisition issues.