India Targets 12% Coastal and Inland Waterway Freight Share by 2047, Says Sonowal

PURI: India is working to increase the share of coastal and inland waterway transport in the country's freight movement from 6% to 12% by 2047, while targeting one million sea cruise passengers by 2029. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal outlined these goals at a Consultative Committee meeting in Puri, Odisha. The targets are expected to be supported by two proposed initiatives: the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme and the Cruise Bharat Mission.

During the meeting, Sonowal also announced plans to develop the Puri International Cruise Terminal through a partnership between Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and the Government of Odisha. The project is expected to involve an investment of around ₹1,500 crore.

Sonowal chaired the ministry's Consultative Committee meeting, which focused on strengthening coastal and cruise shipping in India. Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Shantanu Thakur and eight Members of Parliament attended the meeting. The ministry's Secretary opened the discussion by presenting the measures being taken to promote coastal cargo movement and cruise tourism.

"In the last 12 years under PM Narendra Modi, India's maritime sector has undergone massive transformations," Sonowal said.

India's coastline stretches for more than 11,000 kilometres, offering considerable potential for transporting goods over long distances through a relatively cleaner mode. According to Sonowal, coastal cargo handled at Indian ports has increased from 74 million metric tonnes to 177 million metric tonnes over the past 12 years, registering growth of around 140%.

"Under Prime Minister Shri 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," Sarbananda Sonowal said.

Announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme will provide incentives to cargo owners, coastal vessel operators and multimodal transport operators. The support is intended to encourage greater use of coastal shipping and combinations of transport modes, including ships, railways and roads.

Cruise tourism has also recorded significant growth. During FY 2025-26, India welcomed 462,661 ocean cruise passengers and recorded 212 vessel calls. Passenger traffic increased 5.5 times, while vessel calls rose 2.1 times compared with FY 2013-14. Launched in September 2024, the Cruise Bharat Mission aims to attract one million sea cruise passengers and generate 400,000 jobs by March 2029.

On the inland waterways front, 20 river cruise circuits across 16 National Waterways are already operational, while another 51 have been identified for phased development. Sonowal also noted that 143 river cruise terminals and landing points are currently operational. Together, the two initiatives are expected to create more than 560,000 jobs and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 16 million metric tonnes.

The Minister also highlighted the proposed development of National Waterway No. 5 in Odisha, with an estimated investment of more than ₹13,000 crore. The project is intended to connect the state's industrial and mining centres, including Talcher and Kalinganagar, with ports along the eastern coast.

Members of Parliament welcomed the government's efforts to expand the maritime sector and shared suggestions for improving port and shipping infrastructure across different parts of the country.

"I extend my deep gratitude to the MPs for their valuable insights and suggestions, which will help shape this journey," Sonowal said. "Led by PM Modi's vision, we are steadily advancing towards a competitive, sustainable and thriving maritime ecosystem for a Viksit Bharat."