**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has undertaken several steps to accelerate port-based development under the PM GatiShakti initiative. These include mapping ports, enhancing port capacity and connectivity, and promoting green shipping. Various regulations and schemes were launched, with 2025 being a key year for new regulations.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **PM GatiShakti Initiative:**
* Mapping of 26 data layers with attributes of operational ports on the PMGS-NMP Portal.
* Enables integrated planning for infrastructure, technology intervention, and policy reform.
* **Sagarmala Programme:**
* Focuses on enhancing port capacity, connectivity, and efficiency.
* Key areas: port modernisation, last-mile connectivity, coastal community development, and multimodal logistics parks.
* **Inland Waterways Policy Initiatives:**
* The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 notified to enable private and public participation.
* Jal Samriddhi portal developed to facilitate online NOC applications for jetty and terminal construction.
* 'Jalyan and Navic' Central database portal launched in 2025 for vessel registration, survey, and crew training.
* Jalvahak - Cargo Promotion Scheme implemented, providing 35% incentive for inland waterways cargo transport on National Waterways.
* **Green Shipping Initiatives:**
* Launched 'Harit Sagar' Green Port Guidelines in May 2023 to reduce carbon footprints.
* Introduced Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) in August 2024 to transition to greener harbor tugs.
* **Impact of Reforms:**
* Increased combined cargo handling capacity of major ports from 555 MTPA (FY 2013-14) to 1,681 MTPA (FY 2024-25).
* Container vessel turnaround time reduced from 41.76 hours (2013-14) to 28.5 hours (2024-25).
* Cargo movement through inland waterways increased from 18.07 MMT (2013-14) to 145.84 MMT (FY 2024-25).
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder:** Port Authorities and Operators
* **Impact:** Increased efficiency, capacity, and potential for revenue growth due to modernization and improved infrastructure.
* **Action Required:** Implement new technologies and processes, comply with 'Harit Sagar' Green Port Guidelines, and participate in the Green Tug Transition Program.
**Stakeholder:** Shipping Companies and Logistics Providers
* **Impact:** Reduced turnaround times, increased cargo handling capacity, and access to incentivized inland waterway transport.
* **Action Required:** Utilize inland waterways for cargo transport, register vessels on 'Jalyan and Navic' portal, and comply with new regulations.
**Stakeholder:** Government (Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways)
* **Impact:** Achievement of national objectives related to port development, green shipping, and improved logistics.
* **Action Required:** Monitor implementation of regulations and programs, ensure compliance, and continue to promote sustainable practices.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: Union Ministry responsible for the development of port-based infrastructure, green shipping, and inland waterways.
PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP): A national plan leveraging a Geographic Information System (GIS) portal to improve infrastructure planning, technology intervention, and policy reform across various sectors including ports.
Sagarmala programme: A program focused on enhancing port capacity, connectivity, and efficiency through modernization, mechanization, and improved infrastructure.
Inland Vessels Act, 2021: Act related to registration, survey of vessels, and crew training and certification for inland waterways.
National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025: Regulations to enable private and public participation in jetty and terminal development for inland waterways.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
LOGISTICS AND MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE
Posted On: 12 FEB 2026 6:25PM by PIB Delhi
The steps taken by the Government to accelerate port-based development under PM GatiShakti include
mapping of 26 data layers along with relevant attributes of all the operational ports across the country on
the Geographic Information System (GIS) based PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP)
Portal. This enables integrated planning of infrastructure, technology intervention, policy reform and
identification of critical road and rail last mile connectivity projects.
Sagarmala programme focuses on implementation of projects related to enhancement of ports capacity,
connectivity and efficiency for promoting port-led development. The key areas of focus include port
modernisation & mechanisation, strengthening last-mile road and rail connectivity, coastal community
development, and promotion of multimodal logistics parks. The programme also emphasizes integration of
ports with coastal shipping and inland waterways to reduce the logistics cost and improve overall supply
chain efficiency.
The policy initiatives related to inland waterways are as under:
i. The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 have been
notified to enable private and public participation in jetty and terminal development and
boosting inland waterways infrastructure. Under these regulations, Jal Samriddhi portal has
been developed to facilitate online applications of no objection certificate (NOC) for
construction and operation of jetties and terminals on national waterways.
ii. ‘Jalyan and Navic' Central database portal was launched in the year 2025 for registration,
survey of vessels, and crew training and certification under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021.
iii. Jalvahak - Cargo Promotion Scheme has been implemented for providing 35% incentive to
promote the utilization of inland waterways cargo transport and for establishing scheduled
service for cargo movement on National Waterways (NW)-1, NW-2 and NW-16 via Indo-
Bangladesh Protocol route.
As regards green shipping, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched ‘Harit Sagar’ Green
Port Guidelines in May 2023 to reduce carbon footprints and to develop an environment friendly
ecosystem at major ports. The ministry also introduced Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) in August
2024 to drive transition from conventional fuel-based harbour tugs to greener ones being more sustainable
alternatives for environmental sustainability.
As a result of reforms and initiative, the combined cargo handling capacity of the major ports increased
from 555 million metric tones per annum (MTPA) in the financial year (FY) 2013-14 to 1,681 MTPAin
FY 2024-25. Further, container vessel turnaround time significantly reduced from 41.76 hours in the year
2013-14 to 28.5 hours in the year 2024-25. Similarly, cargo movement through inland waterways, a
cheaper mode of transport, has gained momentum and it has increased from 18.07 MMT in the year 2013-
14 to 145.84 MMT in FY 2024-25.This information was given by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda
Sonowal Ji, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
***
PN/IY
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