India’s next phase of maritime growth will depend on shipping services, inland connectivity, logistics networks and industrial corridors linking ports with markets, according to a report prepared by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Kearney. The report, titled India’s Maritime Agenda for 2030: From Efficient Ports to Globally Connected Trade Gateways, outlines priorities for strengthening the country’s maritime ecosystem.

Cargo handled at India’s major and non-major ports rose 38 per cent between FY18 and FY26, increasing from 1.21 bn tonnes to 1.67 bn tonnes. Over the same period, handling capacity grew 22 per cent to 2.8 bn tonnes per annum, while utilisation increased from 52 per cent to 59 per cent. Average vessel turnaround at major ports declined 18 per cent to about 49 hours.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Pipavav and Mundra ranked among the top 30 ports in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index 2025. The report said the performance improvements showed progress in port efficiency, while also indicating that available capacity could support additional growth.

Private participation has expanded under the Major Port Authorities Act 2021, with privately operated terminals handling about two-thirds of cargo at major ports. This remains below the 85 per cent target set for 2030. Of the 294 road and rail projects identified to connect ports with their hinterlands, 84 had been completed by July 2026.

The 1,506-km Western Dedicated Freight Corridor linking JNPA with Dadri was commissioned in March 2026. The report found that about 84 per cent of measured export time at four core seaports occurs after export approval, underlining the need for improved logistics coordination. It recommended prioritising road and rail links according to actual cargo flows and adopting separate strategies for container gateways, transshipment hubs, industrial and energy gateways, and specialised export corridors by 2030.