Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s ports, shipping, and waterways sectors have experienced significant changes over the past 11 years, aligning with the vision of a developed India by 2047. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has been instrumental in enhancing infrastructure through initiatives in multimodal logistics, green shipping, and global maritime integration.
A major achievement is the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Seaport in Kerala, which, at a cost of Rs 8,800 crore, will serve as India’s first dedicated container transshipment port. This facility is capable of accommodating the world’s largest cargo ships, thereby reducing India’s reliance on foreign ports. Other significant projects include the New Dry Dock at Cochin Shipyard Limited and Asia’s largest International Ship Repair Facility, which enhance India’s shipbuilding and repair capabilities. Additionally, the Jal Marg Vikas Project aims to improve inland navigation along the Ganga, promoting cost-effective cargo transport.
Several large-scale projects are underway, such as the Rs 76,000 crore Vadhvan Deep Draft Port and a new container terminal in Gujarat. Initiatives like the Paradip Port’s Western Dock Project and establishing green hydrogen hubs reflect the government’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the maritime sector.
The Sagarmala Programme, initiated in 2015, has evolved into Sagarmala 2.0, which envisions robust shipbuilding, modernization of ports, and the establishment of coastal economic zones. It is projected to attract Rs 12 lakh crore in investments and is expected to create jobs while reducing logistics costs. Environmental sustainability is being prioritized through the Harit Sagar and Harit Nauka guidelines and the Green Tug Transition Programme, which advocate for alternative fuels in maritime activities. The recent launch of the India-Singapore Green Shipping Corridor further emphasizes India’s commitment to eco-friendly maritime practices.
To streamline operations, the government introduced the “One Nation One Port Process,” which standardizes documentation and reduces bureaucratic hurdles. As a result, India’s port capacity has nearly doubled to 2,762 MMTPA between 2014 and 2025, with cargo handling increasing to 1,594 MMT. The turnaround time for vessels has dramatically decreased from 93 to 49 hours, and annual net surplus has surged from ₹1,026 crore to ₹9,352 crore.
The Indian shipping sector has experienced notable growth, with the number of Indian-flagged ships rising to 1,549 and the seafarer workforce, including a tenfold increase in female seafarers, reaching 3.2 lakh. Coastal shipping volumes have nearly doubled, and new maritime routes with Maldives and Sri Lanka have been inaugurated.
Inland waterways, previously underutilized, now carry 146 MMT of cargo, representing a 710% increase since 2014, and service over 7.5 crore passengers. The number of National Waterways has expanded from 5 in 2013-14 to 111 by 2016, fostering additional tourism opportunities through river cruises and lighthouse initiatives.
The government’s vision also prioritizes heritage preservation, with new phases of the National Maritime Heritage Complex approved for 2024, including plans for the tallest Lighthouse Museum. International collaboration has strengthened, with India signing over 21 memorandums of understanding, including a significant agreement with Iran for the operation of Chabahar Port, enhancing access to Central Asia.
Overall, these initiatives underline India’s recognition as a rising maritime power, poised to significantly influence regional and global trade in the coming years.
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