India’s next phase of maritime growth will depend on stronger shipping services, improved inland connectivity and integrated logistics networks linking ports with industrial centres and markets, according to a report by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Kearney.
The report, India’s Maritime Agenda for 2030: From Efficient Ports to Globally Connected Trade Gateways, outlines priorities for strengthening the country’s maritime infrastructure and improving the movement of cargo across its logistics network.
Port capacity and efficiency continue to improve
Cargo handled at India’s major and non-major ports increased by 38% between FY2018 and FY2026, rising from 1.21 billion tonnes to 1.67 billion tonnes.
Over the same period, port handling capacity grew by 22% to 2.8 billion tonnes per annum, while utilisation increased from 52% to 59%. Average vessel turnaround time at major ports also declined by 18% to approximately 49 hours.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Pipavav and Mundra were among the top 30 ports in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index 2025, reflecting improvements in port performance.
The report noted that existing capacity could accommodate further growth, provided supporting infrastructure and logistics connections continue to develop.
Inland transport links remain a priority
Private participation in port operations has expanded under the Major Port Authorities Act 2021, with privately operated terminals handling approximately two-thirds of cargo at major ports. However, this remains below the government’s 85% target for 2030.
Improving road and rail connectivity is another priority. Of the 294 road and rail projects identified to connect ports with their hinterlands, 84 had been completed by July 2026.
The 1,506-kilometre Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, linking JNPA with Dadri, was commissioned in March 2026, providing an important freight connection between the port and inland markets.
Coordinated logistics needed to improve trade flows
The report also highlighted delays beyond port operations, finding that approximately 84% of measured export time at four major seaports occurs after export approval.
It recommends prioritising road and rail infrastructure according to actual cargo flows and developing tailored strategies for different types of maritime gateways. These include container ports, transshipment hubs, industrial and energy gateways, and specialised export corridors.
The findings underline that India’s maritime competitiveness will depend not only on port capacity, but also on the efficiency of the wider transport and logistics network connecting ports to businesses and international markets.
