Logistics Links and Shipping Services Emerge as Key Drivers of India’s Maritime Growth: FICCI-Kearney Report
- IBEF
- November 4, 2026
India’s next phase of maritime growth will depend on the shipping services, inland connectivity, logistics and industrial corridors that connect ports to markets, according to a new report. The report, titled “India’s Maritime Agenda for 2030: From efficient ports to globally connected trade gateways”, was jointly prepared by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Kearney. Cargo handled at India’s major and non-major ports rose 38% between FY18 and FY26, from 1,209 million tonnes to 1,668 million tonnes. Over the same period, handling capacity grew 22% to 2.8 billion tonnes per annum. Utilisation climbed from 52% to 59%, leaving considerable headroom, and average vessel turnaround at major ports fell 18% to about 49 hours. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Pipavav and Mundra all rank among the top 30 in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index 2025.
Private participation has expanded under the Major Port Authorities Act 2021, with privately-run terminals handling about two-thirds of major-port cargo against a target of 85% by 2030. Of the 294 road and rail projects identified to link ports with their hinterlands, 84 had been completed by July 2026. The 1,506-km Western Dedicated Freight Corridor connecting JNPA with Dadri was also commissioned in March 2026. The report noted that about 84% of measured export time at four core seaports occurs after export approval, highlighting the need for better logistics coordination. It recommended prioritising road and rail links around actual cargo flows. It also called for differentiated strategies by 2030 for container gateways, transshipment hubs, industrial and energy gateways, and specialised export corridors.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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