+
Port-Led Push: Major Cargo Growth & Inland Boosts
PORTS & SHIPPING

Port-Led Push: Major Cargo Growth & Inland Boosts

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has significantly ramped up efforts to boost India's maritime and inland waterway sectors through infrastructure development, modernization, and state collaboration.

According to data presented by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in the Lok Sabha, cargo throughput at major ports touched 819 million tonnes in FY24, while non-major ports recorded 724 million tonnes—together crossing the 1.5 billion tonne mark for the first time.

India’s 12 major ports, under the Centre’s administrative control, have seen steady investment-driven growth. Meanwhile, non-major ports—governed by states—are receiving focused funding under the Sagarmala Scheme. As of now, Rs 49.25 billion has been committed to 71 non-major port projects, including coastal infrastructure, ferry terminals, and community development.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is advancing the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) on National Waterway-1 between Varanasi and Haldia, aimed at enhancing freight movement across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Bihar alone has seen Rs 8 billion worth of projects under JMVP, generating over 1,030 jobs.

In terms of direct employment, major ports employed over 16,600 people in 2024, while non-major ports saw workforce numbers rise to 13,381—reflecting an increasing focus on decentralised port development.

To ensure long-term growth and policy coordination, the Maritime States Development Council (MSDC)—established in 1997—continues to serve as the apex advisory body. Twenty meetings have been held so far, aligning Centre-State efforts for balanced maritime growth.

With a 7,500 km coastline and 14,500 km of navigable waterways, India is positioning port-led development as a key engine for logistics efficiency and coastal prosperity.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has significantly ramped up efforts to boost India's maritime and inland waterway sectors through infrastructure development, modernization, and state collaboration. According to data presented by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in the Lok Sabha, cargo throughput at major ports touched 819 million tonnes in FY24, while non-major ports recorded 724 million tonnes—together crossing the 1.5 billion tonne mark for the first time. India’s 12 major ports, under the Centre’s administrative control, have seen steady investment-driven growth. Meanwhile, non-major ports—governed by states—are receiving focused funding under the Sagarmala Scheme. As of now, Rs 49.25 billion has been committed to 71 non-major port projects, including coastal infrastructure, ferry terminals, and community development. The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is advancing the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) on National Waterway-1 between Varanasi and Haldia, aimed at enhancing freight movement across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Bihar alone has seen Rs 8 billion worth of projects under JMVP, generating over 1,030 jobs. In terms of direct employment, major ports employed over 16,600 people in 2024, while non-major ports saw workforce numbers rise to 13,381—reflecting an increasing focus on decentralised port development. To ensure long-term growth and policy coordination, the Maritime States Development Council (MSDC)—established in 1997—continues to serve as the apex advisory body. Twenty meetings have been held so far, aligning Centre-State efforts for balanced maritime growth. With a 7,500 km coastline and 14,500 km of navigable waterways, India is positioning port-led development as a key engine for logistics efficiency and coastal prosperity.

Next Story
Real Estate

Shriram Properties Launches ‘Codename: The One’ in Bengaluru

Shriram Properties (SPL), a leading real estate developer focused on the mid-market and mid-premium segments, has announced the launch of its latest residential project under the banner “Codename: The One” in Bengaluru’s Electronic City corridor. This feature-rich gated community will offer 340 spacious 2- and 3-BHK residences, with a total saleable area of approximately 5 lakh square feet and an estimated revenue potential of over Rs 3.5 billion. The project is expected to be developed over a span of more than three years.  Strategically located near the Bommasandra Metro stat..

Next Story
Resources

India Warehousing Show 2025 Closes with Strong Global Presence

The 14th edition of the India Warehousing Show (IWS) 2025 concluded successfully at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, drawing participation from over 300 exhibitors across 15 countries and welcoming 15,000+ visitors. Recognised as India’s leading platform for warehousing and logistics excellence, IWS 2025 offered a comprehensive display of cutting-edge automation, sustainable warehousing solutions, and next-gen supply chain technologies. The show was inaugurated by Shri Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary – Logistics, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. In his opening a..

Next Story
Equipment

MHIET Launches 450kW Gas Cogeneration System with H₂ Co-Firing

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger (MHIET), part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, has launched a new 450kW gas cogeneration system, the SGP M450, jointly developed with Toho Gas Co.,. The system supports hydrogen co-firing at up to 15 vol per cent, with no loss in performance or reliability.  The system is currently available in the Japanese market, and has been developed from the existing GS6R2 city gas engine platform. Key modifications were made to the fuel gas and engine control systems to enable hydrogen co-firing.   Verified through de..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?