Coastal and inland waterway share in India’s freight movement to be doubled: Sonowal

The government is working to double the share of coastal and inland waterway shipping in India’s freight movement from 6% to 12% by 2047, and to attract 1 million sea cruise passengers by 2029, through two proposed initiatives: the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme and the Cruise Bharat Mission, said the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, while addressing a Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry in Puri, Odisha.

He also announced that Puri International Cruise Terminal will be developed by Paradip Port Authority (PPA) in partnership with the Government of Odisha, with the project likely to cost Rs 1,500 crore.

Mr Sonowal chaired the meeting of the Ministry’s Consultative Committee on strengthening coastal and cruise shipping. The Minister of State of MoPSW Mr Shantanu Thakur and eight members of Parliament attended. 

It was highlighted that India has more than 11,000 kilometres (6,800 miles) of coastline, a natural advantage for sustainably moving freight over long distances. Coastal cargo handling at Indian ports has surged from 74 million metric tonnes to 177 million metric tonnes over the past 12 years, a growth of about 140%, Mr Sonowal said.

“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dynamic leadership, our coastline and our rivers are being turned into engines of growth. The Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme and the Cruise Bharat Mission will move more cargo by sea and bring more visitors to our shores, creating jobs and protecting the environment,” he pointed out.

The Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme, announced in the 2026-27 budget, will offer incentives to cargo owners, coastal vessel operators and multimodal transport operators who move cargo by more than one means of transport.

The Minister also highlighted the development of National Waterway No. 5 in Odisha, estimated to cost more than Rs 13,000 crore, aimed at linking the state’s industrial and mining centres, including Talcher and Kalinganagar, with ports on the east coast, as per an official release.

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