India is set to enhance its maritime infrastructure significantly, aiming for over 700 million tonnes per annum in additional port capacity by 2030 as part of its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
New Delhi, India Jul 31, 2026 ALN: India is stepping up investments in ports, inland waterways, and shipbuilding as part of its roadmap towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, with the government targeting more than 700 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of additional port capacity by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with India's broader economic strategy to enhance its maritime infrastructure and position itself as a significant player in global trade.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ (MoPSW) Viksit Bharat targets, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed officials to accelerate the implementation of flagship projects while adhering to strict timelines. He urged officials from the ministry, major ports, and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to work in a coordinated manner to achieve India’s long-term maritime ambitions. This call to action reflects the government's recognition of the critical role that maritime infrastructure plays in economic development and trade facilitation.
The review highlighted significant progress across the maritime sector. India has emerged as the world’s largest ship recycling nation, while inland waterways cargo movement has crossed 200 million tonnes, achieving the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 target well ahead of schedule. This achievement underscores India's commitment to sustainable practices in shipping and logistics, as well as its ability to utilize its extensive network of rivers and canals for cargo transport.
Addressing officials, Sonowal said the sector’s achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished through coordinated policy implementation and execution. He stressed the need to maintain the momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047, calling for greater speed and scale in implementing maritime infrastructure projects. This vision is not only about expanding capacity but also about enhancing the overall efficiency and competitiveness of India’s maritime sector.
The minister also emphasised the importance of strengthening institutional resilience in the face of evolving global geopolitical challenges, saying future planning should focus not only on growth but also on building robust systems capable of handling uncertainties. This perspective is particularly relevant in today's global environment, where supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions can significantly impact trade and shipping.
A key focus of the ministry’s roadmap is the creation of more than 700 MTPA of additional port capacity by 2030. Among the flagship projects is the Vadhavan Port, which is expected to add 164 MTPA of capacity by 2030-31. Other major projects include the Tuticorin Outer Harbour, which will contribute 39 MTPA, and the Kandla Tuna Tekra Terminal, expected to add 33 MTPA by 2027-28. These projects are part of a strategic plan to enhance port infrastructure, which is essential for accommodating the growing demands of international trade.
Overall, the ministry plans to create around 682 MTPA of additional capacity through new port infrastructure, mechanisation, operational improvements, and greater private sector participation. The expansion plan includes 306 MTPA at major ports, 193 MTPA at key non-major ports, and another 183 MTPA through mechanisation, efficiency improvements, public-private partnerships, and capacity augmentation at emerging ports. This multifaceted approach aims to create a robust maritime ecosystem capable of supporting India's economic growth.
The ministry is also aiming to improve operational efficiency by increasing cargo handling mechanisation across ports from 76 per cent in FY 2025-26 to 93 per cent by 2030. Cargo handled through public-private partnership (PPP) projects is projected to rise from 44 per cent in 2013-14 to 85 per cent by 2030-31, reflecting a greater role for private investment in port development. This shift towards mechanisation and private participation is expected to enhance productivity and reduce turnaround times for vessels, thereby making Indian ports more competitive on a global scale.
In addition, the ministry has set a target of achieving 100 per cent digitisation across the maritime sector by 2030 through integrated digital platforms designed to improve logistics efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. Digitisation is seen as a critical enabler for streamlining operations, enhancing data sharing, and improving overall service quality in the maritime sector. This move towards digital transformation aligns with global trends in logistics and supply chain management.
The review also highlighted strong momentum in India’s shipbuilding sector. Domestic shipbuilding output increased by 41 per cent, rising from 40,923 gross tonnes (GT) in 2024 to 57,637 GT in 2025. This growth reflects the government's focus on bolstering domestic manufacturing capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign shipbuilders. A thriving shipbuilding industry is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the maritime sector and ensuring national security through a robust naval fleet.
To strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities, the government has granted in-principle approval for greenfield shipbuilding clusters in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat, each with a planned capacity of 1.2 million GT. Similar approvals for Maharashtra and Odisha are expected by August-September 2026. These clusters are intended to create specialized hubs for shipbuilding, fostering innovation, and attracting investment in advanced shipbuilding technologies.
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed with HD Hyundai-KSOE to develop a shipbuilding cluster in Tamil Nadu, with the Centre extending full financial support for common maritime infrastructure required for the industrial ecosystem. This partnership signifies the government's commitment to fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance shipbuilding capabilities and create jobs in the maritime sector.
The ministry noted a significant increase in the value of vessels being built domestically. The average contract value per vessel has risen more than fivefold to ₹212 crore from ₹41 crore earlier, reflecting India’s growing capability to manufacture larger and technologically advanced ships. This increase in contract value indicates a shift towards building more sophisticated vessels, which can compete in international markets and cater to the evolving needs of global shipping.
Reiterating the ministry’s long-term vision, Sonowal said India aims to emerge as one of the world’s leading maritime economies by strengthening infrastructure, expanding logistics capacity, promoting domestic shipbuilding, and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness. Achieving this vision will require sustained investment, strategic planning, and a collaborative approach among various stakeholders in the maritime industry. As India continues to develop its maritime sector, the implications for trade, employment, and economic growth could be profound, positioning the nation as a critical player in the global maritime landscape.
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