NITI Aayog convened a consultative meeting in New Delhi on January 29, 2026, bringing together State Maritime Boards, port operators, and key Central Ministries to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities facing India’s non-major ports.
The meeting focused on strengthening the role of non-major ports in the country’s port-led development framework. Officials highlighted the need for infrastructure development, multimodal connectivity, and operational efficiency to enhance competitiveness and support economic growth.
Discussions emphasized leveraging digitalisation to improve port operations, reduce turnaround times, and ensure seamless integration with hinterland logistics networks. Participants also explored policy and institutional reforms to address governance and regulatory challenges.
Investment strategies and public-private partnership models were reviewed as critical tools to attract capital and modernize non-major ports. The deliberations underscored the importance of aligning port development with national initiatives such as Sagarmala and PM Gati Shakti.
NITI Aayog officials noted that the consultative process aims to create a roadmap for strengthening non-major ports, ensuring they play a strategic role in India’s maritime economy. The meeting concluded with a commitment to advance reforms that will boost efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness in the sector.
The initiative reflects the government’s broader vision of enhancing India’s logistics and infrastructure capabilities, positioning non-major ports as vital contributors to trade, connectivity, and regional development.
