India Enhances Port Connectivity with Comprehensive Infrastructure Plan
India boasts a coastline of approximately 7,500 km, spanning across 13 states and Union Territories. Along this coastline, there are 227 ports, including 13 major ports and 214 non-major ports. Of these, 78 ports are operational (12 major, 66 non-major), 11 ports (1 major, 10 non-major) are under implementation, while 138 ports remain non-operational. Out of the 89 operational and under-implementation ports, 64 have sufficient connectivity. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has planned 108 Port Connectivity Road (PCR) projects, covering a total length of 3,700 km.
To ensure effective last-mile connectivity to all operational and under-implementation ports, MoRTH has developed a comprehensive Port Connectivity Masterplan. This plan was crafted in consultation with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The Masterplan involved assessing the connectivity requirements of all ports and identifying the necessary infrastructure projects. A total of 59 critical infrastructure projects, covering approximately 1,300 km, have been selected for implementation.
These projects are expected to significantly enhance road connectivity to all operational and under-implementation ports across India, fostering economic growth through the seamless movement of goods. Once completed, all 89 ports will be adequately connected. Currently, 10 projects totaling around 313 km have been completed, 26 projects covering about 1,754 km are under implementation, and the bidding process and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are in progress for the remaining 72 projects, which span 1,631 km.
