New Delhi: India is planning a major expansion of its maritime transport sector. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has announced a target to double the share of coastal shipping and inland waterways in India’s freight movement from 6% to 12% by 2047. The government also plans to attract one million sea cruise passengers annually by 2029 through new shipping and tourism initiatives.
Details of India Coastal Shipping Target 2047
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced the target during a Consultative Committee meeting in Puri, Odisha, on November 3, 2026.
The meeting focused on strengthening India’s coastal shipping, cruise tourism and inland waterway transportation.
According to the minister, the government aims to increase the use of sea routes and rivers for transporting goods across the country. This will help reduce pressure on roads and railways while improving the movement of cargo.
India has more than 11,000 kilometres of coastline, providing significant opportunities for coastal transportation.
Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme To Support India Coastal Shipping Target 2047
The government plans to use the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to encourage businesses to transport more goods through coastal shipping and inland waterways.
Announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, the scheme will provide incentives to three major groups:
- Cargo owners who transport goods through coastal routes.
- Coastal vessel operators involved in shipping activities.
- Multimodal transport operators who combine ships, railways and roads to move goods.
The main aim is to make coastal transportation more attractive and affordable for businesses.
Moving suitable goods through ships instead of relying only on road and rail transport could also help reduce transportation costs and traffic congestion.
India’s Coastal Cargo Movement Records 140% Growth
India has already recorded significant growth in coastal cargo transportation. According to Sarbananda Sonowal, coastal cargo handled at Indian ports increased from 74 million metric tonnes to 177 million metric tonnes over the past 12 years.
This represents growth of approximately 140%. The government wants to build on this progress by improving port infrastructure, expanding shipping facilities and encouraging businesses to use waterways for freight transportation.
Puri International Cruise Terminal To Get ₹1,500 Crore Investment
Another major announcement is the development of the Puri International Cruise Terminal in Odisha.
The Paradip Port Authority (PPA) will develop the project in partnership with the Odisha government.
The estimated investment for the project is around ₹1,500 crore.
The proposed terminal is expected to strengthen cruise tourism in Odisha and attract more domestic and international visitors. It could also create new opportunities for tourism businesses, local employment and other supporting services.
Cruise Bharat Mission Targets 1 Million Passengers By 2029
The government is also focusing on expanding India’s cruise tourism industry through the Cruise Bharat Mission.
Launched in September 2024, the mission aims to attract one million sea cruise passengers annually and generate 400,000 employment opportunities by March 2029.
India recorded 462,661 ocean cruise passengers and 212 cruise vessel calls during the financial year 2025-26.
Compared with 2013-14, ocean cruise passenger traffic increased 5.5 times, while cruise vessel calls increased 2.1 times. These figures highlight the growing interest in cruise tourism in India.
India Coastal Shipping Target 2047: Government Expands River Cruise Infrastructure
The government is also developing river cruise facilities to promote tourism through India’s inland waterways.
According to the minister, 20 river cruise circuits across 16 National Waterways are currently operational.
Additionally, 51 more river cruise circuits have been identified for development in different phases. India also has 143 operational river cruise terminals and landing points. These facilities are expected to improve river tourism and create new economic opportunities for local communities.
National Waterway No. 5 To Improve Odisha’s Industrial Connectivity
Sarbananda Sonowal also highlighted the development of National Waterway No. 5 in Odisha.
The project is estimated to cost more than ₹13,000 crore. It aims to connect important industrial and mining centres, including Talcher and Kalinganagar, with ports along India’s eastern coast.
Better waterway connectivity could help industries transport raw materials and finished goods more efficiently. It may also support industrial development and improve logistics connectivity in Odisha.
India Coastal Shipping Target 2047: Maritime Initiatives Expected To Create Over 5.6 Lakh Jobs
The Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme and Cruise Bharat Mission are expected to generate more than 560,000 employment opportunities.
The two initiatives are also expected to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 16 million metric tonnes.
These benefits are expected through increased coastal cargo movement, cruise tourism development and greater use of inland waterways.
The government believes that stronger maritime infrastructure can support economic growth while encouraging more environmentally friendly transportation.
FAQs
The Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme is a government initiative announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. It aims to encourage cargo owners, coastal vessel operators and multimodal transport operators to move more goods through coastal shipping and inland waterways.
India aims to increase the combined share of coastal shipping and inland waterways in its total freight movement from 6% to 12% by 2047.
The Cruise Bharat Mission aims to attract one million sea cruise passengers annually and generate 400,000 employment opportunities by March 2029. It was launched in September 2024.
