+
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
Infrastructure Energy

Private Sector Builds India’s First Heavy Water Test Facility

In a major stride towards nuclear self-reliance, India’s first privately built test facility for upgrading depleted heavy water has been commissioned by TEMA India Ltd. The facility was inaugurated by Shri Rajesh V, Director – Technical, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), and Shri K. T. Shenoy, Director, Chemical Engineering Group, BARC. Developed under a technology transfer from BARC and a purchase order from NPCIL, the unit represents a landmark in public-private collaboration and supports the government’s Atma-Nirbhar Bharat initiative.Previously, critical testing for hea..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Coal Ministry Pushes Digital Drive With SWCS Training Session

In a bid to accelerate digital transformation in the coal sector, the Ministry of Coal conducted a hands-on training workshop and interactive session on the Exploration Module of the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) on 25 July 2025. Held at Tagore Chamber, SCOPE Complex, New Delhi, the session aimed to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the module’s functionalities and encourage its use for efficient exploration-related submissions and approvals.Ms Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority (AS & NA), chaired the session and stressed the vital role digital plat..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Enhances Cyber Defences for Critical Infrastructure

The Government of India remains acutely aware of the cyber threats facing the country’s digital and physical infrastructure. Its policies are focused on fostering a safe, trusted, and accountable cyberspace for all users. Several initiatives are being implemented to strengthen cyber security across critical sectors such as power, transport, and banking, ensuring their continuous and secure operation.The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) undertake cyber security audits under the Information Technol..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?