Government Initiatives

Some of the major initiatives taken by the government to promote the ports sector in India are as follows:

• In November 2024, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated Rs. 187.33 crore (US$ 22.19 million) infrastructure projects at Chennai and Kamarajar Ports to boost trade and green initiatives.
• In October 2024, Union Cabinet approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, showcasing India’s 4,500-year-old maritime heritage. This project is expected to enhance employment, tourism, and cultural preservation with phased development supported by public-private partnerships with a completion goal of 2025 for its first phase.
• In July 2024, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal approved a Rs. 284.19 crore (US$ 34 million) project by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) to establish a comprehensive agricultural commodity processing and storage facility aiming to streamline logistics, reduce handling stages, and extend the shelf life of agricultural products. The projected export capacity includes a frozen store of 1,800 metric tonnes, a cold store of 5,800 metric tonnes, and dry warehouses for 12,000 metric tonnes of grains, cereals, and dry cargo.
• On 19 June 2024, the Government of India approved the establishment of a Major Port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra, with an estimated cost of Rs. 76,220 crore (US$ 9.14 billion), aiming to enhance EXIM trade capacity and accommodate mega vessels, while facilitating public-private partnerships for infrastructure development.
• On 29 July 2024, Secretary Mr. T.K. Ramachandran reviewed the functioning of the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and inaugurated key projects worth over Rs. 13 crores (US$ 1.56 million), including a Trauma and Burn Care Centre and a Water Treatment Plant with a capacity to filter 16 million litres of water per day, enhancing the port's infrastructure and services.
• On July 26, 2024, the Government of India announced an update to the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP), which has provided financial aid totaling Rs. 337 crores (US$ 40.40 million) to enhance India’s competitiveness against foreign shipyards and revitalize the shipbuilding industry. Since the policy's inception, 313 vessel orders valued at approximately Rs. 10,500 crores (US$ 1.26 billion) have been secured.
• On July 26, 2024, the Government of India announced 29 new proposals from Andhra Pradesh and Visakhapatnam Port Trust under the Sagarmala project, totaling approximately Rs. 3,300 crores (US$ 395 million). These initiatives include port development and fish landing centers.
• In the Interim Union Budget 2023-24, the total allocation for the Ministry of Shipping was US$ 281.24 million (Rs. 2,345.45 crore).
• Under the Sagarmala Programme, 45 projects totaling Rs. 47,166 Cr. (US$ 5.69 billion) have been earmarked for execution at Non-Major Ports. Of these, 4 projects worth Rs. 5,419 Cr.(US$ 0.65 billion) have been finalized, while 17 projects valued at Rs. 27,673 Cr. (US$ 3.34 billion) are presently underway. Thirty-one out of the 45 projects are being carried out through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, with a collective investment of Rs. 45,973 Cr.(US$ 5.54 billion).
• On March 07, 2024, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Mr.Sarbananda Sonowal approved a project exceeding Rs. 800 crore (US$ 96.48 million) to revamp Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, encompassing berth reconstruction and mechanization to enhance operational efficiency and global competitiveness.
• On February 20, 2024, The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal initiated major waterways projects in North East India, including inaugurating terminals at Bogibeel and Sonamura, unveiling projects worth ₹308 crore (US$ 37.14 million), and announcing initiatives for improved connectivity and economic growth.
• On October 17, 2023, the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) achieved ₹10 lakh crores (US$ 120.60 billion) of investment within three days of its unveiling, with 360 MoUs valued at ₹8.35 lakh crores(US$100.7 billion) and additional investible projects worth ₹1.68 lakh crores (US$ 20.26 billion) announced.
• On September 19, 2023, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways proposed the Indian Ports Bill with the aim of enhancing transparency in port tariffs and updating penalties. The bill empowers the Maritime States Development Council (MSDC) for integrated planning and introduces a three-tier dispute resolution mechanism for conflicts between state maritime boards.
• On August 24, 2023, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways initiated the development of a Next-Gen Container Terminal at Tuna Tekra, Gujarat, through a Rs. 4,243.64 crore (US$ 511.7 million) PPP agreement with DP World, enhancing port infrastructure and trade connectivity.
• On January 27, 2023, the Honorable Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways inaugurated the National Logistics Portal (Marine). This platform connects logistics stakeholders, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and reducing costs and time delays through IT integration. Covering all transport modes, it offers seamless end-to-end logistics service coverage.
• The government aims to increase Inland Water Transport (IWT) share to 5% by 2030 as per Maritime India Vision (MIV)-2030, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and sustainability for bulk cargo transportation, particularly along National Waterway No. 1 (River Ganga).
• Under the Sagarmala initiative, the Ministry has initiated Ro-Pax Ferry operations connecting Ghogha to Hazira in Gujarat and Mumbai to Mandwa in Maharashtra. These services have facilitated the transportation of over 24.15 lakh passengers, 4.58 lakh cars, and 36.3 thousand trucks, promoting environmental sustainability and public welfare.
• In Union Budget 2023-24, the total allocation for the Ministry of Shipping was US$ 1,813.16 million (Rs. 2,218.74 crore).
• In October 2022, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the development of a container terminal at Tuna-Tekra, Deendayal Port, the terminal will be built on a Build, Operate & Transfer (BOT) basis under Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode.
• In August 2022, Minister of Road Transport and Highways Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, and Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, Gen (Retd) VK Singh signed a tripartite agreement for swift development of modern Multi Modal Logistics Parks (MMLP) under Bharatmala Pariyojna across the country.
• In July 2022, the Sagarmala programme is the flagship programme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to promote port-led development in the country through harnessing India’s 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes.
• In December 2021, India and Russia are talking about collaborating on shipbuilding and inland waterways.
• In November 2021, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways & Ayush, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the new Radars and Vessel Traffic Management System of Cochin Port Trust. The VTMS (Vessel Traffic Management System) commissioned in Cochin Port in 2009 has been upgraded with a state-of-the-art system consisting of two new radars, one AIS Base station, three VHF Radios and associated software & hardware.
• In November 2021, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the simultaneous launching of five vessels at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
• In November 2021, the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. G Kishan Reddy, announced that the center has sanctioned US$ 13.31 million (Rs. 100 crore) for the Visakhapatnam port cruise terminal.
• The Draft Indian Ports Bill 2021, which was circulated in July 2021, aims to centralize the administration of minor ports that are currently managed by state governments.
• The Inland Vessels Bill 2021 was approved by the Lok Sabha in July 2021. Instead of distinct regulations created by the states, the bill attempts to include a single legislation for the country. The registration certificate issued under the new law will be valid throughout the country and state approvals will not be necessary. The bill also establishes a single database for recording vessel and crew information on an Internet portal.
• In July 2021, the Marine Aids to Navigation Bill 2021 was passed by the Parliament, incorporating global best practices, technological developments, and India's international obligations in this field.
• In June 2021, the Gujarat government provided approval to build a new jetty worth an estimated US$ 25.77 million (~Rs. 192 crore) at Navlakhi Port which has been in operation since 1939.
• In June 2021, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Ministry of Culture signed an MoU for cooperation in the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat.