India’s Seaways & Coastal Shipping: Anchoring the Future of Trade

From effective regional ferry links to strategic international corridors, India is reclaiming its coastal waters as vital arteries of trade, connectivity, and sustainability. As roadways congest and logistics grow expensive, seaways are emerging as lean, green, and strategic paths forward.

1. Dahej-Ghogha Sea Connect: Redefining Coastal Transit

The Dahej-Ghogha Sea Connect is a pioneering RORO/ROPAX ferry service in Gujarat across the Gulf of Khambhat.

• Operational Since: November 2020
• Route: Ghogha ⇄ Hazira (~60 km)
• Transit Time: 2-3 hours via sea vs. 6-8 hours by road

This service dramatically streamlines travel and symbolizes the untapped potential of coastal mobility.

2. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project: Connecting to Southeast Asia

A game-changing corridor under India’s Act East policy, the Kaladan Project links Mizoram with Southeast Asia via sea, river, and road segments.

• Sea Leg: Kolkata ↔ Sittwe (539 km)
• River Leg: Sittwe ↔ Paletwa (158 km)
• Road Leg: Paletwa ↔ Zorinpui ↔ Aizawl
• Status: Fully operational by 2027

This will reduce transport distance by 700 km, opening trade routes to Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and SE Asia.

3. Coastal Shipping Reforms & Industry

• The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 eliminates permit barriers for Indian-flagged vessels, simplifying logistics and encouraging coastal trade.
• TCI Seaways is expanding coastal routes and fleet capacity.

These policy moves enable swifter and more efficient coastal commerce.

4. Northeast Maritime Surge: A ₹5,000 Crore Vision

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled a transformative ₹5,000 crore maritime package for Northeast India, focusing on trade, tourism, connectivity, and skills. Key components include:

• 100 cargo barges (Rhenus) by 2025 on NW2 & NW16
• 10 dredgers (₹610 cr) for all-season navigability
• 85 community jetties, and tourism & cargo jetties (₹300 cr) at Silghat, Neamati, Biswanath Ghat, and Guijan
• Water Metro projects in Guwahati, Tezpur, and Dibrugarh
• Lighthouses + IMD centers for local weather updates
• Training 50,000 youth through MSDC Guwahati and a ₹200 cr CoE in Dibrugarh, creating 500 jobs/year

This comprehensive push is paving the way for economic integration and transformation of India’s Northeast.

Conclusion

Coastal shipping and seaway infrastructure are no longer peripheral-they are central to India’s logistics evolution. These waterways promise greater efficiency, sustainability, and regional uplift, anchored by strategic corridors and forward-looking policies. As India sails forward, its seaways will be its silent force multiplying connectivity and growth.