India Targets 12% Coastal Shipping Share by 2047: Major Push for Maritime Jobs, Ports and Cruise Tourism
India's maritime sector is gearing up for a significant transformation, with new plans to expand coastal shipping, strengthen inland waterways, develop cruise infrastructure and create employment opportunities across the maritime industry.
India Sets an Ambitious Maritime Growth Target
India has announced an ambitious plan to increase the combined share of coastal and inland waterway shipping in national freight movement from the current 6% to 12% by 2047.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal outlined the vision during a Consultative Committee meeting held in Puri, Odisha, on 3 November 2026.
The proposed expansion forms part of India's broader ambition to develop a more competitive, sustainable and globally integrated maritime economy.
With an extensive coastline, growing port infrastructure and a large maritime workforce, India is increasingly focusing on waterways as an alternative to road and rail transportation for suitable cargo.
Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to Accelerate Shipping Growth
A central component of the government's maritime strategy is the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2026–27.
The scheme is intended to encourage greater movement of cargo through coastal shipping by providing incentives to eligible stakeholders, including:
Cargo owners and industrial enterprises
Coastal shipping companies and vessel operators
Multimodal logistics and transportation operators
The objective is to make coastal transportation more attractive for businesses while reducing pressure on conventional land-based logistics networks.
According to the government, coastal cargo handled at Indian ports has already increased from approximately 74 million metric tonnes to 177 million metric tonnes over the past 12 years.
This growth underscores the increasing importance of coastal shipping in India's domestic supply chain.
₹1,500 Crore Puri International Cruise Terminal Announced
Another major development is the proposed Puri International Cruise Terminal in Odisha.
The project, estimated to cost approximately ₹1,500 crore, will be developed through a partnership between Paradip Port Authority and the Government of Odisha.
The initiative is expected to strengthen eastern India's cruise tourism infrastructure and support the development of tourism-related maritime services.
The project could also create opportunities across port operations, passenger vessel services, marine engineering, hospitality and associated logistics.
Cruise Bharat Mission Targets One Million Passengers
India is also accelerating its cruise tourism ambitions through the Cruise Bharat Mission, launched in September 2024.
The government aims to attract one million ocean cruise passengers by March 2029.
In the financial year 2025–26, India recorded:
462,661 ocean cruise passengers
212 cruise vessel calls
Approximately 5.5 times the passenger traffic recorded in 2013–14
India currently has 20 operating river cruise circuits across 16 National Waterways, with another 51 circuits identified for phased development.
These initiatives could expand opportunities for maritime professionals looking to work in passenger shipping, marine operations, technical management and cruise-related services.
More Than 5.6 Lakh Jobs Projected
One of the most important aspects of the announcement is its potential employment impact.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme and Cruise Bharat Mission together are expected to generate more than 560,000 jobs.
The initiatives are also projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 16 million metric tonnes.
These are government projections, and actual outcomes will depend on implementation, investment, infrastructure availability and industry participation.
For India's maritime workforce, the expansion could support demand for professionals in several areas, including:
Deck and engine departments
Coastal vessel operations
Marine engineering and technical maintenance
Ship management and maritime logistics
Port and terminal operations
Cruise vessel operations and passenger services
Maritime training and related support industries
National Waterway No. 5 to Strengthen Odisha's Logistics Network
The government also highlighted plans for National Waterway No. 5 in Odisha, with an estimated investment exceeding ₹13,000 crore.
The waterway is intended to connect industrial and mining centres, including Talcher and Kalinganagar, with ports along India's eastern coast.
If successfully developed, this connectivity could improve the movement of industrial cargo while strengthening integration between inland production centres and maritime transport networks.
What Does This Mean for Indian Mariners?
For the Indian seafaring community, the government's maritime expansion strategy represents more than infrastructure development.
A growing coastal fleet, new cargo services, passenger vessels and port facilities could create additional career pathways for Indian maritime professionals.
Marine engineers and deck officers may find new opportunities in domestic shipping operations, while maritime entrepreneurs could explore opportunities in vessel management, technical services, logistics and port-related businesses.
However, achieving these benefits will also require continued investment in maritime training, shipbuilding, vessel availability, safety standards and commercially sustainable operations.
DMET Club Perspective: A Growing Opportunity for India's Maritime Community
India's maritime growth ambitions reinforce the importance of building a strong and future-ready maritime workforce.
At DMET Club, we believe industry expansion should be accompanied by greater opportunities for Indian seafarers, maritime professionals, entrepreneurs and the next generation entering the sector.
The potential growth of coastal shipping and cruise operations provides an opportunity for the maritime community to participate not only as employees but also as leaders, service providers, innovators and business owners.
India's maritime future will be shaped not only by ports and vessels, but also by the people who operate, manage and develop them.
As India works toward its 2047 maritime targets, the role of skilled Indian mariners will remain central to turning ambitious plans into sustainable progress.
Disclaimer: Employment, passenger growth and environmental benefit figures are government targets or projections, not guaranteed outcomes.
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