In 2020, India’s container throughput stood at 17 million TEUs, compared to 245 million TEUs in China and 357 million TEUs across the top 20 major global ports. Despite India’s growing economy and increasing demand for goods, its ports are not equipped to handle ultra-large container ships. These ships require higher drafts, large cranes, better yard management, increased automation, larger storage facilities, improved inland connectivity, and enhanced labor productivity.
To address these challenges and develop global standard ports in India, the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 has been established. This vision outlines initiatives to develop world-class Mega Ports, transshipment hubs, and modernize port infrastructure. The estimated investments for this initiative range from INR 100,000-125,000 crore to augment capacity and create world-class infrastructure at Indian ports.
The upcoming ports at Vizhinjam in Kerala and Vadhavan in Maharashtra are expected to boost India’s efforts to become a global manufacturing hub. These ports have natural drafts of over 18 meters, enabling ultra-large container and cargo vessels to call on the ports and improve container and cargo throughput.
India’s ports need significant upgrades to meet the demands of the global market and to keep pace with the rapidly growing economy. The Maritime India Vision 2030 provides a roadmap for India to become a world-class port destination and increase its container throughput to global standards.
