Rs 100 Billion Container Scheme Under Appraisal, Sonowal

25 Mar 2026 CW Team

The proposed scheme is designed to enhance containerisation by increasing throughput at major and minor ports and by improving multimodal connectivity with inland container depots and rail links. It is expected to support integrated freight solutions that could lower logistics costs and shorten transit times for exporters and importers. Planners are examining financing structures that combine central allocations, state contributions and private sector participation to achieve scalable implementation.

Components under consideration include development of greenfield and brownfield container terminals, augmentation of existing berths with modern handling equipment and investments in inland logistics facilities and coastal feeder services. Technical appraisal is focusing on project readiness, land availability, regulatory clearances and alignment with national modal shift objectives. Stakeholders are being consulted to calibrate project design to regional trade corridors and manufacturing clusters.

The ministry is conducting detailed assessments of economic viability and implementation timelines before moving to approvals and budgetary allocation. The minister indicated that the scheme aims to strengthen supply chain resilience and to make logistics more competitive for domestic industry. Further decisions on phasing and prioritisation will follow the completion of the appraisal process.

Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the government is appraising a container scheme valued at Rs 100 billion (bn) aimed at expanding container infrastructure and modernising freight movement across ports and hinterland. The scheme is under appraisal by the ministry responsible for ports and shipping and is intended to attract public and private investment in container terminals, handling equipment and logistics corridors. Officials indicated that the appraisal seeks to align capacity additions with projected trade growth and to address current pinch points in warehousing and last mile connectivity. The proposed scheme is designed to enhance containerisation by increasing throughput at major and minor ports and by improving multimodal connectivity with inland container depots and rail links. It is expected to support integrated freight solutions that could lower logistics costs and shorten transit times for exporters and importers. Planners are examining financing structures that combine central allocations, state contributions and private sector participation to achieve scalable implementation. Components under consideration include development of greenfield and brownfield container terminals, augmentation of existing berths with modern handling equipment and investments in inland logistics facilities and coastal feeder services. Technical appraisal is focusing on project readiness, land availability, regulatory clearances and alignment with national modal shift objectives. Stakeholders are being consulted to calibrate project design to regional trade corridors and manufacturing clusters. The ministry is conducting detailed assessments of economic viability and implementation timelines before moving to approvals and budgetary allocation. The minister indicated that the scheme aims to strengthen supply chain resilience and to make logistics more competitive for domestic industry. Further decisions on phasing and prioritisation will follow the completion of the appraisal process.

Infrastructure Urban

05 May 2026

Meghalaya And Assam Hold Talks To End Transport Stoppages In Garo Hills

Meghalaya and Assam have opened talks aimed at ending recent stoppages of commodity transport in the Garo Hills, officials said. The deputy chief minister, in charge of home affairs, reported that both state governments are coordinating to resolve disruptions and to restore normal movement of goods. He acknowledged that misunderstandings may have contributed to the incidents and that clarification between administrative units is under way. The discussions are intended to produce practical arrangements that will allow consignments to move without hindrance while respecting local procedures. The..

Infrastructure Transport

05 May 2026

Kochi Metro Records 1.375 mn Rise In Passengers In FY26

Kochi Metro recorded a marginal rise in ridership in the financial year 2025-26, carrying 1.375 mn more passengers than in the previous year. The service carried 36.8 million (mn) passengers in 2025-26 compared with 35.5 mn in 2024-25, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.9 per cent. The growth was described as distributed rather than concentrated in isolated spikes. A month-wise analysis shows steady gains across quarters. In the first quarter, ridership increased from 8.57 mn to 8.84 mn, while the second quarter rose from 9.13 mn to 9.51 mn. These trends indicated broad-based improvemen..

Infrastructure Transport

05 May 2026

Ghaziabad Plans 16km Metro Link To Delhi Via Hindon Airport

Ghaziabad authorities are pursuing a 16 km metro link to Delhi that will run via Hindon Airport, and a detailed project report is under way. The plan is intended to improve connectivity between Ghaziabad and the national capital and to provide an interchange with the airport. Officials said the project is being studied to assess alignments, station locations and cost estimates ahead of formal approvals and tendering. The announcement follows the inauguration of the Delhi?Faridabad metro extension, which will offer hassle free travel for around 0.2 mn daily commuters between the national capita..