Government Advances Bharat Container Shipping Line With MoUs

06 Feb 2026 CW Team

The memorandum was signed by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), the Chennai Port Authority and the Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) under MoPSW. The initiative aligns with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 and is intended to anchor container trade in Indian hands. A separate tripartite memorandum will finance the Outer Harbour project at VOCPA, Tuticorin, between VOCPA, the Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC) and SMFCL.

The agreement provides joint funding of up to Rs 150 bn for eligible projects to expand port capacity under the Sagarmala Programme and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The financing framework focuses on debt funding for breakwater construction and allied onshore and offshore facilities, delivered primarily through a Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). Officials characterised the measures as strategic steps to build national container shipping capability, enhance port infrastructure and advance the Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda and Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047.

Ministers said the measures are expected to strengthen multimodal connectivity, support resilient supply chains and enhance India’s commercial presence in global maritime trade. The partnership with CONCOR and other stakeholders is anticipated to mobilise investments around Rs 150 bn and to complement prior initiatives in shipbuilding, ship recycling and maritime finance. India, as the fourth largest economy, is projected to reach a GDP of about USD seven point three tn by 2030, a trajectory likely to increase export import volumes and containerised cargo, and the new arrangements aim to reduce exposure to volatile freight rates and global supply shocks.

The Union Government advanced plans for a domestically anchored container ecosystem with a memorandum of understanding to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). The signing was attended by Union ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Ashwini Vaishnaw, with Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur present. The step formed part of a coordinated push across shipping, ports and rail linked logistics. The memorandum was signed by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), the Chennai Port Authority and the Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) under MoPSW. The initiative aligns with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS) announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 and is intended to anchor container trade in Indian hands. A separate tripartite memorandum will finance the Outer Harbour project at VOCPA, Tuticorin, between VOCPA, the Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC) and SMFCL. The agreement provides joint funding of up to Rs 150 bn for eligible projects to expand port capacity under the Sagarmala Programme and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The financing framework focuses on debt funding for breakwater construction and allied onshore and offshore facilities, delivered primarily through a Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). Officials characterised the measures as strategic steps to build national container shipping capability, enhance port infrastructure and advance the Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda and Maritime Amrit Kaal 2047. Ministers said the measures are expected to strengthen multimodal connectivity, support resilient supply chains and enhance India’s commercial presence in global maritime trade. The partnership with CONCOR and other stakeholders is anticipated to mobilise investments around Rs 150 bn and to complement prior initiatives in shipbuilding, ship recycling and maritime finance. India, as the fourth largest economy, is projected to reach a GDP of about USD seven point three tn by 2030, a trajectory likely to increase export import volumes and containerised cargo, and the new arrangements aim to reduce exposure to volatile freight rates and global supply shocks.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..