India’s maritime sector needs a significant investment of Rs 3-4 lakh crore to enhance port infrastructure and logistics connectivity, according to an industry body. This investment is essential for making the country competitive in global trade. Private sector involvement is vital, not just for funding but also for driving innovation and efficiency, said Indian Chamber of Commerce president Abhyuday Jindal.

The government has introduced the Maritime Development Fund, allocating Rs 25,000 crore to support projects in this sector. Rajesh Menon, a ‘PM Gati Shakti’ expert, noted that this fund will help bridge funding gaps and speed up project implementation. The prime minister had earlier launched the PM Gati Shakti – National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, which is a digital platform uniting 16 ministries for coordinated infrastructure planning.

Private Sector’s Role in Maritime Investment

Experts predict that private sector investment in India will increase soon. The private sector’s role is crucial not only for financial contributions but also for accelerating development through innovative solutions. This collaboration aims to create a sustainable and globally competitive transport infrastructure by integrating government, industry, and academia.

The maritime sector currently manages about 75% of India’s total trade volume. To meet growing infrastructure demands, substantial investments are necessary. A comprehensive multi-modal logistics framework is essential for India’s economic growth, as highlighted by Jindal in a statement.

Impact of ‘Gati Shakti’ on Supply Chains

Kanishka Sethia, chairman of ICC’s Logistics Committee and CEO of Western Carriers, described ‘Gati Shakti’ as transformative for supply chains. He stated that breaking silos through multi-modal integration could propel India towards becoming a USD 20 trillion economy by 2040.

The PM Gati Shakti initiative aims to streamline infrastructure projects by bringing together various ministries such as Railways and Roadways. This integrated approach is expected to enhance efficiency and coordination in implementing connectivity projects across the country.

In summary, India’s maritime sector requires significant investment to improve its infrastructure and logistics capabilities. The involvement of both the government and private sector is crucial in achieving these goals. With initiatives like the Maritime Development Fund and PM Gati Shakti, India is poised to enhance its global trade competitiveness and economic growth.