India Aims to Boost Coastal Shipping Share by 2047
In an ambitious push to enhance maritime transport, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled plans to double the share of coastal and inland waterway shipping in India’s freight movement from 6% to 12% by the year 2047. Speaking at a Consultative Committee meeting in Puri, Odisha, he emphasized the country’s goal of attracting 1 million sea cruise passengers by 2029 through two innovative initiatives: the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme and the Cruise Bharat Mission.
Sonowal highlighted that the Puri International Cruise Terminal will be developed by the Paradip Port Authority in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, with an estimated project cost of Rs 1,500 crores. The meeting, chaired by Sonowal, featured contributions from Minister of State for MoPSW Shantanu Thakur and eight other members of Parliament. The session commenced with the ministry’s secretary outlining various measures being taken to promote coastal and cruise shipping.
Reflecting on significant advancements made over the past 12 years, Sonowal remarked, “Under PM Narendra Modi, India’s maritime sector has undergone massive transformations.” With over 11,000 kilometers of coastline, India holds substantial potential for efficient freight transport. Coastal cargo volume at Indian ports has skyrocketed from 74 million metric tons to 177 million metric tons during this period, marking a remarkable growth of about 140%.
Sonowal stated, “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dynamic leadership, our coastline and rivers are being turned into engines of growth. The Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme and the Cruise Bharat Mission will facilitate more cargo movement by sea and attract more visitors to our shores, leading to job creation and environmental protection.” The Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme, which was presented in the 2026-27 budget, aims to incentivize cargo owners, coastal vessel operators, and multimodal transport operators who utilize various transport methods including ship, rail, and road.
In terms of cruise tourism, Sonowal noted a significant increase, with India documenting 462,661 ocean cruise passengers and 212 vessel calls in the 2025-26 fiscal year—a 5.5-fold increase in passenger traffic and a 2.1-fold climb in vessel calls since 2013-14. Launched in September 2024, the Cruise Bharat Mission seeks to reach the ambitious target of 1 million sea cruise passengers and 400,000 job opportunities by March 2029.
Moreover, the report details that 20 river cruise circuits are currently operational across 16 National Waterways, with 51 additional circuits identified for phased development. The minister affirmed that 143 river cruise terminals and landing points are now active. Together, the new initiatives are anticipated to create over 560,000 jobs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 16 million metric tons.
Sonowal also pointed out the significant development of National Waterway No. 5 in Odisha, which is projected to cost over Rs 13,000 crores and aims to connect industrial hubs and mining centers like Talcher and Kalinganagar with key east coast ports.
Parliament members commended the government’s initiatives to enhance the maritime sector, offering constructive suggestions for improving maritime infrastructure across the country. Sonowal expressed gratitude to the MPs for their insights, which he believes will play a crucial role in advancing the sector. He concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to achieving a competitive, sustainable, and thriving maritime ecosystem, solidifying the vision of a developed India.
