India Accelerates Port Development with PM GatiShakti Initiative
The Indian government is making significant strides in enhancing port-based development through the PM GatiShakti initiative. By integrating 26 data layers related to all operational ports on the Geographic Information System (GIS) platform, the initiative enables streamlined planning addressing infrastructure, technology upgrades, policy reforms, and critical last-mile connectivity projects. This holistic approach aims to boost the maritime sector and promote economic growth throughout the nation.
Focus on Port Modernization and Infrastructure
The Sagarmala programme is at the heart of these efforts, concentrating on projects that enhance ports’ capacity, connectivity, and efficiency. Key objectives include the modernization and mechanization of ports, strengthening last-mile road and rail links, assisting coastal communities, and fostering multimodal logistics parks. Additionally, the initiative promotes the integration of ports with coastal shipping and inland waterways to minimize logistics costs and improve supply chain efficiency.
Inland Waterway Developments
To support inland waterways, the government has introduced several important policy measures. The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 facilitate private and public partnerships in jetty and terminal development. A dedicated portal, Jal Samriddhi, has been launched to streamline the online application process for no objection certificates (NOCs) necessary for constructing and operating jetties and terminals on national waterways.
In 2025, the ‘Jalyan and Navic’ Central database portal was initiated to register and survey vessels, as well as provide crew training and certification under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021. Furthermore, the Jalvahak – Cargo Promotion Scheme incentivizes the use of inland waterways for cargo transport with a 35% rebate aimed at launching scheduled services on National Waterways (NW)-1, NW-2, and NW-16 via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route.
Commitment to Green Shipping
In line with environmental sustainability, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways unveiled the ‘Harit Sagar’ Green Port Guidelines in May 2023. These guidelines seek to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly practices at major ports. Additionally, the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP), introduced in August 2024, facilitates the shift from traditional fuel-powered harbour tugs to greener alternatives.
Impressive Growth and Achievements
Thanks to these reformative initiatives, the combined cargo handling capacity at major ports surged from 555 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) in the financial year 2013-14 to an impressive 1,681 MTPA by FY 2024-25. The turnaround time for container vessels has also significantly improved, decreasing from 41.76 hours in 2013-14 to just 28.5 hours in 2024-25. Moreover, cargo movement through inland waterways, recognized as an economical transport mode, rocketed from 18.07 million metric tonnes in 2013-14 to 145.84 million metric tonnes in FY 2024-25.
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