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The Gujarat Government has launched the Shipbuilding Policy 2026, a strategic initiative aimed at transforming the state into India's premier shipbuilding and ship repair hub. The policy seeks to attract investments exceeding Rs 27,000 crore, create a shipbuilding capacity of 50 lakh Deadweight Tonnage (DWT), and establish two world-class shipbuilding parks, reinforcing Gujarat's position in the country's maritime and logistics ecosystem. The new policy comes at a time when India is intensifying efforts to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capabilities under the broader vision of developing a self-reliant maritime sector. With Gujarat already accounting for a significant share of India's ship recycling, ports and maritime trade, the state aims to leverage its extensive coastline, robust port infrastructure and industrial ecosystem to emerge as a global destination for shipbuilding. A key highlight of the policy is the development of two integrated mega shipbuilding parks equipped with modern infrastructure and common facilities. These parks are expected to support the construction of commercial vessels, specialised ships and offshore structures while also promoting ancillary industries involved in marine equipment, engineering and component manufacturing. To attract investors, the policy offers a range of financial incentives, including capital assistance, interest subsidies, skill development support and infrastructure incentives. The state government expects these measures to encourage both domestic and international companies to establish manufacturing facilities and expand operations in Gujarat. Besides increasing industrial investment, the initiative is projected to generate substantial employment opportunities across shipbuilding, ship repair, marine engineering, logistics and allied sectors. The policy also places emphasis on developing a skilled workforce through dedicated training programmes, ensuring the availability of specialised talent required by the industry. Industry experts believe the policy could significantly strengthen India's maritime manufacturing capabilities while reducing dependence on imported vessels. The expansion of shipbuilding infrastructure is also expected to improve coastal shipping, facilitate exports and enhance the efficiency of the country's logistics network. The Shipbuilding Policy 2026 aligns with the Centre's vision of making India a global maritime powerhouse and complements ongoing investments in ports, coastal infrastructure and multimodal logistics. By creating an enabling ecosystem for shipbuilding and marine manufacturing, Gujarat is positioning itself to play a pivotal role in supporting India's long-term ambitions in global trade and supply chain development. With substantial investments, infrastructure development and industry-friendly incentives, Gujarat's latest policy is expected to provide fresh momentum to the country's maritime economy while strengthening the state's leadership in the logistics and shipping sector. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has granted in-principal approval for the development of a Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster in Porbandar, Gujarat. The project, approved under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme is expected to enhance domestic shipbuilding capabilities, improve supply chain resilience and position India as a competitive global maritime manufacturing hub. The integrated shipbuilding cluster will be developed at Kuchhadi in Porbandar through the National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park, Gujarat (NSHIP-Gujarat), jointly promoted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Gujarat Maritime Board. Spread across nearly 2,000 acres, the facility will house modern shipyards, ancillary manufacturing units, common infrastructure and capability development centres to support large-scale vessel production. With an estimated annual shipbuilding capacity of 1.2 to 1.5 million gross tonnage (GT), the cluster is expected to significantly expand India’s indigenous manufacturing capabilities while creating a robust ecosystem for marine engineering, heavy fabrication, equipment manufacturing and logistics services. The project is also expected to generate substantial employment opportunities and attract investments across the maritime value chain. Alongside the Porbandar project, the ministry has also approved a state-of-the-art ship repair facility at Vadinar in the Gulf of Kutch. The ₹1,570-crore project, to be jointly developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited and Deendayal Port Authority, will receive financial assistance under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme for eligible infrastructure. The facility is expected to reduce dependence on overseas ship repair yards, improve vessel turnaround times and strengthen India’s maritime service capabilities. The twin projects form a key part of the government’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to transform India into a leading global maritime nation by developing world-class infrastructure, promoting indigenous manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness across the shipping sector. According to the ministry, these initiatives will support the growth of domestic shipbuilding and repair industries while improving integration with global supply chains. For the logistics and supply chain industry, the development is expected to create new opportunities for steel manufacturers, component suppliers, heavy engineering companies, port operators and multimodal logistics providers. By strengthening backward linkages and encouraging localisation of marine equipment manufacturing, the projects are likely to reduce import dependence and improve the efficiency of India’s maritime logistics ecosystem, supporting the country’s long-term ambitions of becoming a global shipping and manufacturing powerhouse. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Kerala has launched an ambitious ₹400 crore initiative, Mission Samudra, aimed at transforming the state into a leading maritime and logistics hub while driving a port-led economic development model. Announced as part of the Kerala Budget 2026-27, the programme seeks to integrate the state’s extensive coastline, ports, inland waterways, logistics infrastructure, and maritime industries into a unified economic ecosystem. Mission Samudra is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening Kerala’s position within India’s maritime trade network. The state plans to leverage its nearly 600-km coastline, two international seaports, the Vizhinjam International Transshipment Port, multiple non-major ports, and inland water transport systems to create a globally competitive maritime cluster. For the logistics and supply chain sector, the initiative signals a significant push toward multimodal connectivity and cargo movement efficiency. The government has proposed the development of manufacturing clusters, container stuffing facilities, dry ports, and logistics parks around key maritime gateways, particularly Vizhinjam and Kochi. These investments are expected to improve hinterland connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and attract export-oriented industries. A phased coastal water transport network is also planned under the mission. The first phase will focus on cargo transportation, followed by passenger services and eventually a fully integrated waterway network linking major and minor ports with inland waterways. Industry observers believe such connectivity could unlock new opportunities for coastal shipping and last-mile logistics. Another key component of Mission Samudra is the promotion of emerging maritime industries. Kerala intends to establish shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, expand maritime tourism, and explore green shipping opportunities. The state has also announced plans to position Vizhinjam as a pioneering green bunkering destination, aligning with the global shipping industry’s transition toward cleaner fuels. The government is simultaneously working on a comprehensive maritime policy that will encourage private sector participation in port infrastructure, logistics services, and maritime industrial development. By unlocking the economic potential of its coastal assets, Kerala aims to attract investments, generate employment in coastal communities, and strengthen its role in international trade corridors. With Mission Samudra, Kerala is placing maritime infrastructure and logistics at the centre of its growth strategy. If executed effectively, the initiative could emerge as one of India’s most significant examples of integrated port-led development, creating new opportunities across shipping, warehousing, manufacturing, and supply chain services. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Gujarat government has introduced a shipbuilding subsidy of up to ₹50 crore for shipyards operating within the state. The initiative is designed to complement the Centre’s Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme and enhance Gujarat’s position as a leading maritime and shipbuilding destination. Under the newly announced incentive framework, shipyards can claim financial assistance equivalent to 8% of eligible project costs or ₹50 crore, whichever is lower, for the construction of small and large vessels. For specialised vessels, the subsidy has been enhanced to 10% of eligible costs, capped at ₹50 crore. The support is expected to improve project viability and encourage greater investment in domestic shipbuilding activities. The policy aligns with India’s broader ambition of developing a globally competitive maritime industry and reducing dependence on imported vessels. By offering an additional layer of financial support, Gujarat aims to attract both private and institutional investments into shipbuilding and ship repair infrastructure. Industry stakeholders believe the move could help improve order inflows, increase production capacity, and create new employment opportunities across the maritime value chain. Gujarat already plays a pivotal role in India’s maritime economy, supported by an extensive coastline, established port infrastructure, and a strong industrial base. The state has also been actively promoting the development of shipbuilding and repair clusters in strategic locations such as the Gulf of Kutch and Pipavav. The latest subsidy is expected to accelerate the creation of modern shipyard facilities, including dry docks, fabrication units, jetties, cranes, dredging infrastructure, and research and training centres. The announcement comes at a time when both the central and state governments are intensifying efforts to expand India’s maritime capabilities. Recent national initiatives have focused on increasing shipbuilding capacity, enhancing technological competitiveness, and supporting long-term growth in the sector. Gujarat’s latest intervention is expected to complement these efforts while strengthening the state’s position as a preferred destination for maritime investments. As global supply chains continue to diversify and demand for maritime assets grows, the subsidy could provide a timely boost to India’s shipbuilding industry. Analysts believe the policy will not only support local manufacturing but also contribute to the country’s ambition of emerging as a major global maritime hub in the coming decades. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Maharashtra is set to strengthen its position in India’s maritime and logistics landscape with plans to develop a ₹4,150 crore Integrated Maritime Complex in Palghar district near the upcoming Vadhvan Port. The proposed project is expected to boost shipbuilding capabilities, maritime infrastructure, coastal employment, and the state’s larger blue economy ambitions. The proposed “United Sadhav Integrated Maritime Complex” will be developed at Nandgaon in the Vadhvan region of Palghar over nearly 600 acres. The project is being positioned as a strategic maritime infrastructure initiative aimed at creating an integrated ecosystem for shipbuilding, ship repair, offshore marine services, and green ship recycling. According to Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane, the state aims to emerge as a major global maritime and shipbuilding hub by leveraging its coastline, port connectivity, and industrial ecosystem. The project proposal was recently reviewed in a meeting involving officials from the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) and representatives of the private developer. The maritime complex is expected to include modern dry docks, advanced ship repair yards, marine engineering facilities, and environmentally sustainable recycling infrastructure. Industry stakeholders believe the development could significantly improve India’s domestic shipbuilding capacity while reducing dependence on overseas repair and maintenance facilities. The investment also aligns with the rapid development of the Vadhvan Port project, which has been identified as one of India’s largest upcoming deep-draft ports with an estimated project cost exceeding ₹76,000 crore. The port is being developed through a joint venture between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board. The proximity of the proposed maritime complex to Vadhvan Port is expected to create strong synergies for cargo movement, marine engineering services, and export-oriented manufacturing. Experts note that integrated maritime clusters are increasingly becoming critical for global supply chains as shipping companies seek faster turnaround times, integrated maintenance facilities, and sustainable marine infrastructure. The Palghar project could also support India’s broader ambitions under the Maritime India Vision 2030 programme, which focuses on enhancing port-led industrialization and coastal economic development. The first phase of the project is expected to begin within the next two years, subject to regulatory approvals and land allocation. The developers have reportedly sought government support in the form of long-term land lease arrangements, single-window clearances, mega-project status, and skill development assistance. Apart from strengthening the maritime economy, the project is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities across shipbuilding, logistics, engineering, fabrication, and ancillary services in Maharashtra’s coastal belt. The development could also attract downstream investments in marine technology, offshore services, and coastal manufacturing. As India continues to expand its maritime infrastructure and logistics capabilities, Maharashtra’s proposed integrated maritime complex may emerge as a key catalyst in positioning the state as a leading maritime industrial hub on the western coast. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
The diversification process by Apple continues to progress as India becomes one of the centers for manufacturing operations. Based on an analysis by Smart Analytics Global (SAG), the percentage share of Indian manufacturing of iPhones has increased from 14% in 2024 to 23% in 2025 and further to 28% by 2026, whereas China’s share has decreased from 83% to 74% within the same timeframe. As Apple continues to lower its reliance on China, India is all set to emerge as the major assembly hub for 28 percent of all iPhones exported around the world by 2026, compared to just 23 percent in the prior year. This change is due to the company's overall strategy of spreading its manufacturing operations in order to mitigate potential tariff risks and geopolitical risks, in addition to creating a more flexible manufacturing network beyond China. Based on the estimates of Smart Analytics Global (SAG), China's share in global iPhone production dropped from 83% in 2024 to 74% in 2025, while India's share increased from 14% in 2024 to 23% in 2025. Estimates provided by another market research firm, Counterpoint Research, indicate that India's share in global iPhone manufacturing could increase to approximately 26% in 2026 from 23% in 2025. As per SAG, “India will account for the manufacture of 28 percent of iPhones shipped globally in 2026, rising from 23 percent in 2025. This growth will be fueled by the ongoing diversification of Apple outside China and capacity build-up at existing manufacturers in India like Tata Electronics,” said Abhilash Kumar, an analyst at Smart Analytics Global. According to Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint Research, “Apple's manufacturing partners have substantially increased their manufacturing capacities and assembly lines in India. They have also diversified their product portfolio made in India.” He further stated that the increase in manufacturing capacity of Tata Electronics is another factor aiding the growth. Apple has managed to localize production substantially in India through manufacturers like Foxconn and Tata Electronics. The recent takeover of Wistron and Pegatron in India by the Tata Group represents a huge step forward in Apple’s localization efforts in India. At present, India is assembling a larger number of iPhones, even the latest versions, and has become an important source of exports, targeting countries like the US and European nations. Over the past five years, Apple has manufactured iPhones worth almost $70 billion in India using its PLI scheme, where around $51 billion, or almost 73% of all iPhones manufactured, were exported from India. Moreover, iPhones have become the most exported goods from India during the previous financial year. India has become the biggest beneficiary of Apple’s changing supply chain. From initially assembling iPhones on a smaller scale, it has grown to become a manufacturing cluster for iPhones through government incentives, increased manufacturing capabilities, and the growing presence of suppliers. Several of the most important suppliers and manufacturers for Apple are still highly entrenched within China, allowing the country to enjoy an unrivaled capacity and adaptability when it comes to managing mass-scale productions and product shifts. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
Shadowfax is significantly expanding its quick commerce infrastructure, announcing plans to scale its dark store network from 15 facilities to 100 by FY27. The move underscores the company’s growing focus on hyperlocal deliveries, same-day fulfilment, and direct-to-consumer (D2C) logistics as competition intensifies in India’s fast-evolving quick commerce ecosystem. The Bengaluru-based company plans to add 85 new dark stores over the next fiscal year, targeting metro cities with delivery radiuses of approximately seven kilometres and fulfilment timelines of around 30 minutes. The expansion is expected to support rising demand from vertical quick commerce platforms and D2C brands that increasingly rely on third-party logistics (3PL) partners for rapid deliveries. According to company executives, vertical marketplaces are emerging as a profitable segment because of their dependence on outsourced logistics infrastructure rather than captive fulfilment networks. Shadowfax believes this trend creates a strong opportunity for scalable 3PL-led quick commerce models. The dark store expansion will account for nearly 10% of Shadowfax’s planned capital expenditure of ₹180–190 crore in FY27. The company is simultaneously strengthening its automation and artificial intelligence capabilities to improve operational efficiency. AI-led demand forecasting, automated slotting, and smarter sorting centre operations are expected to reduce overhead costs while accelerating breakeven timelines for new facilities. Shadowfax’s aggressive expansion comes on the back of strong financial performance. The company reported a consolidated net profit of ₹55.8 crore in Q4 FY26, compared to a net loss of ₹9.9 crore during the same period last year. Revenue from operations surged 73.6% year-on-year to ₹1,237 crore, reflecting growing order volumes and increased adoption of quick commerce delivery services. Founded in 2015, Shadowfax has evolved into one of India’s largest logistics and last-mile delivery networks, serving over 2,500 cities and more than 15,000 pincodes. The company currently handles millions of shipments daily through a technology-driven delivery ecosystem that supports e-commerce, grocery, hyperlocal, and D2C brands. Industry analysts believe the dark store expansion reflects a broader shift within India’s logistics sector, where speed, proximity-based fulfilment, and automated operations are becoming central to supply chain competitiveness. As quick commerce adoption accelerates beyond groceries into categories such as fashion, electronics, and personal care, logistics providers like Shadowfax are positioning themselves as critical enablers of ultra-fast retail fulfilment. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
India’s Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are rapidly reshaping the country’s logistics landscape, with the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) between Dadri and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) emerging as a game-changing infrastructure project for supply chains and multimodal freight movement. Designed exclusively for cargo operations, the corridor is significantly reducing transit times, improving reliability, and easing congestion on conventional rail routes. Stretching nearly 1,500 km from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to JNPA near Mumbai, the corridor forms the backbone of India’s western logistics artery, connecting manufacturing centres, inland container depots, industrial clusters, and ports. With dedicated tracks for freight trains, the network allows uninterrupted cargo movement at higher average speeds, eliminating delays caused by mixed passenger and freight operations. One of the biggest outcomes has been a sharp reduction in transit time. Freight movement between Dadri and JNPA that traditionally took close to 72 hours on congested rail routes is now being completed in nearly half the time, improving turnaround efficiency for exporters, importers, and logistics operators. Industry stakeholders believe the reduction in transit duration will strengthen India’s competitiveness in global trade and support the government’s target of lowering logistics costs as a percentage of GDP. The DFC network has also enabled the operation of longer and heavier freight trains, including double-stack container services on electrified routes. This has increased carrying capacity while lowering per-unit transportation costs. According to sector estimates, rail freight on dedicated corridors is considerably more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable than road transport, aligning with India’s broader decarbonisation goals. Beyond operational efficiency, the corridors are catalysing the growth of integrated logistics ecosystems. Regions such as Dadri, Greater Noida, and Jewar are witnessing accelerated development of multimodal logistics parks, warehousing zones, and industrial hubs due to their strategic connectivity with both the Eastern and Western DFCs. The emerging “rail-road-air” logistics triangle around the National Capital Region is expected to attract substantial investments in manufacturing and distribution infrastructure. The Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) has reported rising freight train volumes on the operational stretches, indicating growing industry adoption. The completion of key links on the western corridor is expected to further enhance throughput and reduce dependency on road transport for long-haul cargo. Analysts say the dedicated rail network could become central to India’s ambition of creating faster, greener, and more resilient supply chains. As India continues investing in additional freight corridors across the country, the success of the Dadri-JNPA route demonstrates how infrastructure modernisation can directly influence trade efficiency, logistics performance, and industrial growth. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 https://cargoconnect.co.in/ 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
In a strategic warehousing move, the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), the second largest coal-producing subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) for collaboration in coal logistics, railway rake provisioning under GPWIS and similar schemes, and integrated transportation services. Guided by the Union Ministry of Coal, SECL is rapidly working to improve India’s energy security and coal logistics infrastructure. The company is taking steps to boost coal evacuation efficiency and ensure a steady fuel supply to essential sectors. This partnership with CWC is a significant move in that direction. The goal of the partnership with CWC is to strengthen SECL’s coal evacuation capabilities by providing reliable and efficient rail logistics solutions to meet the rising demand from the power, steel, cement, and other sectors. The MoU outlines collaboration in various areas, including dedicated railway rake operations, integrated coal transportation solutions, multimodal logistics, first-mile and last-mile connectivity, and the deployment of digital systems for logistics monitoring and operational efficiency. Under the agreed framework, both organizations will explore provisioning and operation of GPWIS and equivalent racks, integrated rail logistics services, and long-term transportation solutions aimed at improving dispatch efficiency and reducing logistical obstacles. The MoU was signed in the presence of Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of SECL, and Santosh Sinha, Managing Director of CWC. Functional Directors and senior officials from SECL, as well as representatives from CWC, attended the signing ceremony. SECL plays a vital role in meeting the country's growing coal demand. In the current financial year 2026-27, Coal India Limited has already surpassed the 100 million tonne production mark, with SECL contributing more than 26.8 million tonnes. Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), a Navaratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Government of India, is a leader in integrated logistics and warehousing services. It has extensive experience in rail-linked cargo movement and multimodal transportation solutions. For more such news and updates, visit CARGOCONNECT.
India’s two largest container gateways, Mundra and Nhava Sheva, are facing mounting congestion as rising cargo volumes, truck driver shortages and rerouted shipments from the Middle East strain operations across the country’s logistics network. Shipping lines and logistics operators are reporting worsening turnaround times at both ports, with vessel delays averaging nearly two and a half days and some unscheduled ships waiting up to five days for berthing. The disruptions are slowing cargo movement, tightening yard space and forcing carriers to make last-minute operational changes. According to industry reports, a shortage of truck drivers has become a major bottleneck for container transfers between terminals and inland transport hubs. The issue has reduced the pace of cargo evacuation from ports, adding pressure on already crowded container yards. Terminal operators have intermittently restricted gate access to control container inflow, while export gate schedules continue to shift frequently. These changes are complicating truck planning and increasing uncertainty for exporters and freight forwarders. The congestion is being intensified by cargo diversions linked to disruptions in the Middle East, particularly around Gulf trade routes. Shipping lines have increasingly redirected transshipment cargo to Indian ports as alternatives to facilities in the Persian Gulf, sharply increasing container volumes in recent weeks. The pressure has begun affecting carrier schedules. Some shipping companies are rerouting vessels between terminals at short notice to avoid yard congestion. Danish shipping giant Maersk recently shifted several sailings from its regular terminal at Nhava Sheva to PSA Mumbai after facing space constraints and a growing container backlog. Industry stakeholders say these sudden terminal changes are creating operational and financial challenges for shippers, including higher handling costs and difficulties coordinating customs clearance and inland transportation. The latest disruption comes at a time when India has been positioning itself as a major global manufacturing and logistics hub. Over the past decade, the country has expanded port capacity, improved freight corridors and modernised customs processes to strengthen supply chain efficiency. However, the current congestion highlights the vulnerability of port infrastructure during periods of sudden trade realignment and geopolitical disruption. Logistics experts warn that prolonged delays could increase freight costs, extend delivery timelines and place additional pressure on exporters already dealing with volatile global shipping conditions. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
