Port-Led Push: Major Cargo Growth & Inland Boosts

08 Apr 2025 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Mount Invests Rs 250 Cr, Adds PUF & PEB Plants, 400+ Jobs

TUMKUR, Karnataka, January 8, 2025 - Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, one of India's fastest-growing manufacturers in PUF and a leading solutions provider across Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) and Polycarbonate sheets, simultaneously inaugurated its second fully automated continuous Sandwich Panel manufacturing line and a new PEB manufacturing plant at its integrated campus in Tumkur." The milestone expansion, part of a total investment of INR 250 crores, marks a significant advancement in the company's commitment to engineered performance, manu..

Titan Intech Strengthens UltraLED Push With Global LED Veteran

Titan Intech has announced the induction of global LED industry veteran Su Piow Ko to its Board of Directors, marking a strategic step in strengthening its UltraLED Displays roadmap and building globally competitive LED display solutions from India.The appointment aligns with Titan Intech’s ambition to position India as a hub for advanced, high-quality LED display manufacturing. With an increased focus on UltraLED Displays, the company aims to enhance technical governance, raise manufacturing standards and expand its presence across global markets.Su Piow Ko brings over three decades of inte..

Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towar..