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Kandla Port Hits Record 7.8M Ton Cargo, India Boosts Shipbuilding with ₹44,700 Cr

The Kandla International Container Terminal has achieved a record annual cargo handling of over 78 lakh metric tonnes, surpassing last year's total well ahead of schedule. Concurrently, the Ministry of Ports has notified guidelines for two major shipbuilding initiatives with a combined outlay of ₹44,700 crore. The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme provides graded financial support for vessel construction, while the Shipbuilding Development Scheme focuses on creating long-term capacity through new clusters and modernisation. These measures aim to significantly strengthen India's domestic shipbuilding industry and maritime competitiveness.

Key Points: Kandla Port Cargo Record & India's ₹44,700 Cr Shipbuilding Push

  • Record 78+ lakh MT cargo handled
  • ₹44,700 cr for shipbuilding schemes
  • SBFAS offers 15-25% vessel aid
  • SbDS to develop shipbuilding clusters
2 min read

Kandla International Container Terminal records cumulative 78,06,220 MTs of annual cargo handling

Kandla International Container Terminal sets a new annual cargo record. India launches ₹44,700 crore shipbuilding schemes to boost domestic capacity and global competitiveness.

"A testament to operational excellence and relentless momentum. - Deendayal Port Authority"

New Delhi, December 29

The Kandla International Container Terminal recorded a cumulative 78,06,220 MTs of annual cargo handling, an official statement by Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla on Monday,

"Kandla International Container Terminal (KICT) has surpassed last year's annual cargo handling of 77,58,498 MTs, recording a cumulative 78,06,220 MTs, achieved an impressive 3 months & 9 days early," the statement said.

"A testament to operational excellence and relentless momentum," it added.

Recently, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) notified the operational guidelines for two major shipbuilding initiatives, the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) and the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS), aimed at strengthening India's domestic shipbuilding capacity and improving global competitiveness.

The approved guidelines lay down a transparent and accountable framework for implementation.

In a separate post, Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla said, "With a combined outlay of Rs 44,700 crore, these landmark initiatives will strengthen India's shipbuilding capacity, enhance global competitiveness, promote Make in India, and generate employment across the maritime value chain anchoring India's growth in Atmanirbhar Bharat and the vision of Viksit Bharat."

As per the government statement, under SBFAS, which has a total corpus of Rs 24,736 crore, the government will provide financial assistance ranging from 15% to 25% per vessel, depending on the vessel category.

The scheme introduces graded support for small normal, large normal and specialised vessels, with stage-wise disbursement linked to defined milestones and backed by security instruments. Incentives for series orders are also included.

The Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS), with a budgetary outlay of Rs 19,989 crore, focuses on long-term capacity and capability creation. The scheme provides for the development of greenfield shipbuilding clusters, expansion and modernisation of existing brownfield shipyards, and the establishment of an India Ship Technology Centre under the Indian Maritime University to support research, design, innovation and skills development.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The numbers are impressive, but I hope this growth is sustainable and doesn't come at the cost of the local environment. Port expansions need strict environmental safeguards.
V
Vikram M
The shipbuilding schemes with ~₹45,000 crore outlay are a game-changer! Finally, we are moving beyond just being a repair hub to actually building world-class vessels. This will create so many skilled jobs. Make in India in action!
P
Priya S
Great to see Deendayal Port (Kandla) performing so well. It's a strategic port for the western coast. The focus on greenfield clusters and an India Ship Technology Centre is the right long-term vision. Hope the execution matches the plan.
R
Rohit P
Operational excellence is key. Beating last year's target by months is no small feat. Kudos to the team at KICT. Now, we need similar momentum in all our major ports to truly become a global maritime powerhouse.
K
Karthik V
The financial assistance for shipbuilding is a welcome step. However, the guidelines must ensure transparency and prevent misuse of funds. We've seen schemes fail due to poor implementation. Hope this one is different.

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