New Delhi [India], November 3 (ANI): Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, revealed on Tuesday that the government aims to increase the share of coastal and inland waterway shipping in India’s freight transportation from 6% to 12% by the year 2047. This initiative also includes attracting one million sea cruise travelers by 2029 through two key programs: the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme and the Cruise Bharat Mission.
During a meeting of the Consultative Committee held in Puri, Odisha, Sonowal announced that the Puri International Cruise Terminal will be developed in collaboration with the Government of Odisha by the Paradip Port Authority, with an estimated investment of Rs 1,500 crores.
At the meeting, which focused on enhancing coastal and cruise shipping, Sonowal was joined by Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and eight members of Parliament. The ministry’s secretary initiated the discussion by presenting strategies to promote both coastal and cruise shipping.
“Over the past 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, significant advancements have been made in India’s maritime sector,” Sonowal stated.
With a coastline extending over 11,000 kilometers (approximately 6,800 miles), India possesses a natural advantage for efficient freight transport over long distances. According to Sonowal, coastal cargo traffic at Indian ports has increased from 74 million metric tons to 177 million metric tons in the last twelve years, marking a growth of about 140%.
“Thanks to the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Modi, our coastlines and rivers are being transformed into growth engines. The Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme and the Cruise Bharat Mission will facilitate increased cargo transport via sea and attract more tourists, thereby creating job opportunities and contributing to environmental protection,” he noted.
The Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme, which was introduced in the 2026-27 budget, will provide incentives to cargo owners, coastal vessel operators, and multimodal transport operators who utilize more than one mode of transportation, such as ship, rail, and road.
Sonowal highlighted the rapid growth in sea cruises, with India recording 462,661 ocean cruise passengers and 212 vessel calls in the fiscal year 2025-26. This represents a 5.5-fold increase in passenger traffic and a 2.1-fold increase in vessel calls since 2013-14. The Cruise Bharat Mission, initiated in September 2024, aims to reach one million sea cruise passengers and create 400,000 jobs by March 2029.
Currently, there are twenty river cruise circuits operating across 16 National Waterways, with an additional 51 circuits identified for phased development. Sonowal mentioned that 143 river cruise terminals and landing points are already functioning. Together, these initiatives are projected to create over 560,000 jobs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 16 million metric tons.
Additionally, Sonowal emphasized the development of National Waterway No. 5 in Odisha, which is expected to cost over Rs 13,000 crores. This waterway will connect the state’s industrial and mining centers, such as Talcher and Kalinganagar, to east coast ports.
Members of Parliament commended the government’s initiatives in advancing the maritime sector and presented suggestions regarding maritime infrastructure across the nation.
“I sincerely appreciate the MPs for their insightful recommendations, which will aid in guiding this initiative,” Sonowal expressed.
“Under the vision of PM Modi, we are making steady progress toward establishing a competitive, sustainable, and flourishing maritime ecosystem for a Viksit Bharat,” he added. (ANI)
