Maritime India Vision 2030: Steering India Towards Global Leadership

Context:

India’s maritime sector is witnessing a transformative journey under the Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030) and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
The transformation aims to modernize ports, shipping, and inland waterways, enhance trade and logistics efficiency, boost employment, and strengthen India’s global maritime presence.
Nearly 95% of India’s trade by volume and around 70% by value move through maritime routes, highlighting the strategic importance of this sector.

1. Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030)

Comprehensive roadmap:

Launched in 2021, MIV 2030 is a detailed blueprint for developing India’s maritime sector.
Encompasses ports, shipping, and inland waterways with over 150 strategic initiatives.
Focuses on modernizing infrastructure, promoting sustainability, and positioning India as a global maritime leader.

Catalyst for growth:

Beyond cargo movement, it promotes trade, investment, and employment, driving economic growth and global competitiveness.

2. Evolution of India’s Ports Sector (2014–2025)

Capacity expansion:

Total port capacity increased from 1,400 MMTPA to 2,762 MMTPA due to major infrastructure investments.

Cargo growth:

Cargo volumes rose from 972 MMT to 1,594 MMT.
Major ports handled 855 MMT in FY 2024–25, up from 819 MMT in FY 2023–24.

Efficiency gains:

Average vessel turnaround time reduced from 93 hours to 48 hours, improving global competitiveness.

Financial performance:

Annual surplus grew from Rs. 1,026 crore to Rs. 9,352 crore.
Operating ratio improved from 73% to 43%, reflecting sustainable and profitable operations.

3. Evolution of India’s Shipping Sector (2014–2025)

Fleet expansion:

Indian-flagged vessels increased from 1,205 to 1,549, strengthening India’s maritime presence.

Capacity growth:

Gross tonnage rose from 10 MGT to 13.52 MGT, enhancing shipping capabilities.

Coastal shipping surge:

Coastal cargo movement nearly doubled from 87 MMT to 165 MMT, promoting eco-friendly and cost-effective transport.

4. Evolution of India’s Inland Waterways (2014–2025)

Cargo surge:

Cargo transported via inland waterways increased from 18 MMT to 146 MMT, a 710% rise.

Network expansion:

Operational waterways expanded from 3 to 29, improving inland connectivity.

Infrastructure boost:

Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal, built with World Bank support, enhances multimodal logistics.

Passenger growth:

Ferry and Ro-Pax services carried over 7.5 crore passengers in 2024–25, showing rising public preference for water-based travel.

5. Growth of India’s Seafaring Workforce (2014–2025)

Workforce expansion:

Number of trained seafarers increased from 1.25 lakh to over 3 lakh, representing 12% of the global workforce.

Global ranking:

India is among the top three suppliers of trained seafarers worldwide.

Career opportunities:

Employment prospects in navigation, ship operations, logistics, and maritime industries domestically and internationally.

6. Major Investments Driving Maritime Transformation (2014–2025)

Ports, shipping, and inland waterways:

Rs. 3–3.5 lakh crore projected under MIV 2030.

Shipbuilding initiatives:

Rs. 69,725 crore to revitalize the sector.
Maritime Development Fund (MDF): Rs. 25,000 crore for long-term financing.
Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS): Rs. 24,736 crore to offset domestic cost disadvantages.
Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS): Rs. 19,989 crore for greenfield clusters and yard expansion.
Indian Ship Technology Centre (ISTC), Visakhapatnam: Rs. 305 crore for ship design, R&D, and skill development.

Inland waterways & river tourism:

Over Rs. 1,000 crore invested in northeast waterways infrastructure.
Luxury cruise ships being built on the Brahmaputra, launching in 2027 under Cruise Bharat Mission.

Sagarmala Programme:

840 projects by 2035 to reduce logistics costs, boost trade efficiency, and generate employment.
Core initiative under MIV 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to position India as a global maritime hub.

7. Future Prospects & Strategic Vision

Investment roadmap:

MIV 2030 & Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 outline Rs. 80 lakh crore for ports, coastal shipping, inland waterways, shipbuilding, and green initiatives.

Sustainability focus:

Emphasis on green corridors, green hydrogen bunkering, and methanol-fueled vessels.
Over 300 actionable initiatives to position India among top global maritime powers by 2047.

Milestones:

At Samudra Se Samriddhi 2025, 27 MoUs worth Rs. 66,000 crore signed.
Expected employment creation: 1.5 lakh jobs in ports, shipping, shipbuilding, sustainable mobility, finance, and heritage sectors.

8. Notable Projects Reinforcing the Vision

Bahuda Greenfield Port, Odisha: 150 MTPA capacity; Rs. 21,500 crore investment.
Patna Water Metro: Electric ferry system; Rs. 908 crore investment.
SCI-PSU Vessel Owning JV: Reducing foreign fleet dependence and boosting Indian-built ships.
Shipbuilding MoUs: Across five states for yard expansion and financing tie-ups.
Lothal Lighthouse Museum: Rs. 266 crore investment for maritime heritage.
New Mangalore Port Authority initiatives: 8 projects, including cruise gate and 150-bed hospital under PPP.

Conclusion:

With Maritime India Vision 2030, India is not only building ports—it is building futures.
The sector is empowering millions with jobs, skills, and sustainable growth.
India is poised to emerge as a global maritime leader, demonstrating that vision, strategy, and investment can transform maritime potential into economic prosperity and global prominence.

Source : PIB