PM Narendra Modi Calls for Coastal Shipping Push at Post-Budget Webinar; VOC Port Reaffirms Commitment to Maritime Growth

Delivering the Special Address, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that coastal shipping is not merely a mode of transport but a strategic pillar in India’s journey towards becoming a global manufacturing and logistics hub. He highlighted that the Union Budget has laid strong emphasis on multimodal connectivity, port-led development, and infrastructure modernization to reduce logistics costs and enhance trade competitiveness.     The Prime Minister noted that India’s vast coastline and strategic geographic location provide immense potential for expanding coastal cargo movement. He underlined that promoting coastal shipping will ease congestion on roads and railways, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure more cost-effective and sustainable cargo transportation.

Referring to the Government’s initiatives under Sagarmala Programme, he stated that port modernization, connectivity enhancement, and coastal community development have already begun transforming India’s maritime landscape. He further stressed the importance of public-private collaboration, digitalization of port operations, and seamless integration of coastal shipping with inland waterways and rail networks.

The Prime Minister also called upon ports, shipping lines, logistics players, and state governments to work in close coordination to unlock the full potential of coastal trade, particularly for bulk cargo, containers, and domestic manufacturing supply chains. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to creating a resilient, efficient, and future-ready maritime sector that supports India’s vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy.

Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, along with senior officials and employees of the Port, participated in the webinar. Their participation reflected the Port’s continued commitment to promoting coastal cargo movement and aligning with the Government of India’s vision for strengthening maritime infrastructure and enhancing logistics efficiency.

The discussion witnessed active engagement from policymakers, port authorities, industry leaders, and logistics stakeholders, who deliberated on policy reforms, infrastructure augmentation, and operational measures required to accelerate coastal cargo growth. The session concluded with a collective resolve to leverage budgetary support and policy momentum to position coastal shipping as a key driver of India’s economic growth and sustainable development.