India to Double Coastal and Waterway Freight Share to 12% by 2047
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal outlines plans to boost coastal shipping to 12% and attract 1 million cruise passengers by 2029.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to transform India's maritime landscape. The government aims to double the coastal and waterway freight share in the country's total freight movement, increasing it from the current 6 per cent to 12 per cent by the year 2047.
Speaking at a Consultative Committee meeting in Puri, Odisha, Minister Sonowal highlighted that India's extensive coastline of over 11,000 kilometres provides a strategic natural advantage for moving cargo over long distances in a more environmentally sustainable manner.
Strategic Initiatives for Growth
To achieve these targets, the government is banking on two primary initiatives designed to stimulate both cargo movement and tourism:
- Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme: Introduced in the 2026-27 budget, this scheme will provide incentives to cargo owners, coastal vessel operators, and multimodal transport operators. It specifically targets those utilizing a combination of ship, rail, and road for transport.
- Cruise Bharat Mission: Launched in September 2024, this mission aims to attract one million sea cruise passengers and create approximately 400,000 jobs by March 2029.
Together, these two initiatives are projected to generate over 560,000 jobs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 16 million metric tons.
The Rise of Cruise Tourism and River Circuits
India has seen a significant surge in sea cruises. In the 2025-26 fiscal year, the country recorded 462,661 ocean cruise passengers and 212 vessel calls. This represents a 5.5-fold increase in passenger traffic and a 2.1-fold increase in vessel calls compared to the 2013-14 period.
The growth extends to inland waters as well. Currently, 20 river cruise circuits are operational across 16 National Waterways, with 143 river cruise terminals and landing points already in place. The government has identified an additional 51 circuits for phased development.
Major Infrastructure Projects in Odisha
A key highlight of the Minister's announcement was the development of the Puri International Cruise Terminal. This project will be executed by the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, with an estimated investment of Rs 1,500 crores.
Furthermore, the government is focusing on National Waterway No. 5 in Odisha. With an estimated cost exceeding Rs 13,000 crore, this waterway is designed to connect major industrial and mining hubs, such as Kalinganagar and Talcher, directly to ports on the east coast.
A Legacy of Transformation
Minister Sonowal noted that the maritime sector has undergone a "massive transformation" over the last 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He pointed out that coastal cargo at Indian ports has grown by approximately 140 per cent, rising from 74 million metric tons to 177 million metric tons.
"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dynamic leadership, our coastline and our rivers are being turned into engines of growth," Sonowal stated, emphasizing the goal of creating a competitive and sustainable maritime ecosystem for a Viksit Bharat.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for MoPSW Shantanu Thakur and eight members of Parliament, who provided suggestions on enhancing maritime infrastructure across various regions of the country.