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 jointly 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, sets out priorities for strengthening the country’s maritime ecosystem.

Cargo handled at India’s major and non-major ports increased 38 per cent between FY18 and FY26, rising from 1.21 bn tonnes (mn t) to 1.67 bn t. During the same period, handling capacity grew 22 per cent to 2.8 bn tonnes (bn t) 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, Pipavav and Mundra ranked among the top 30 ports in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index 2025. The report also noted that private participation had expanded under the Major Port Authorities Act 2021, with privately run terminals handling about two-thirds of major-port cargo. This remains below the target of 85 per cent 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 Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority with Dadri was commissioned in March 2026, improving the wider freight network.

The report found that about 84 per cent of measured export time at four core seaports occurs after export approval, indicating a need for closer logistics coordination. It recommended prioritising road and rail connections based on actual cargo flows and adopting differentiated strategies by 2030 for container gateways, transshipment hubs, industrial and energy gateways, and specialised export corridors.