Anchoring the Future: India’s Megaproject Drive to Supercharge Maritime Infrastructure by 2030

Under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, India is significantly boosting its maritime infrastructure by accelerating investments in ports, inland waterways, and shipbuilding. Guided by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is aiming to add over 700 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in port capacity by 2030, supported by flagship projects like Vadhavan Port, Tuticorin Outer Harbour, and the Kandla Tuna Tekra Terminal. The country has already achieved key milestones ahead of schedule under the Maritime India Vision 2030, becoming the world's largest ship recycling nation and pushing inland waterways cargo movement past 200 million tonnes. To further enhance operations, the ministry plans to add 682 MTPA of capacity through modernization, private sector partnerships, and operational upgrades. Cargo handling mechanisation is set to increase from 76% in FY26 to 93% by 2030, with Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects expected to handle 85% of total cargo by 2030-31, alongside complete sectoral digitisation. Concurrently, domestic shipbuilding is expanding rapidly, highlighted by a 41% output growth in 2025 and in-principle approvals for new greenfield shipbuilding clusters in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat, with more planned for Maharashtra and Odisha.