With an extensive coastline spanning 877 km across seven districts, Maharashtra holds a strategic position along key global maritime trade routes in the Arabian Sea. The state’s maritime ecosystem is supported by strong connectivity infrastructure, including national highways, rail networks, passenger air traffic and access to the western dedicated freight corridor. This integrated connectivity strengthens the state’s role as a major maritime gateway for domestic and international trade.
The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) continues to play a central role in the administration, regulation and development of non-major ports across the state. As the nodal agency for maritime activities, MMB oversees port infrastructure, hydrographic surveys, dredging, vessel registration, certification under the Inland Vessels Act and facilitation of private participation in the maritime sector.
Cargo handling, passenger transport and port network
Maharashtra is home to major ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) and Mumbai port, which together handle a significant share of India’s maritime trade. JNP, India’s largest container port, handles over 7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually and is recognised as a leading global-standard gateway, while Mumbai port remains one of the country’s oldest and most significant multi-cargo hubs. The upcoming Vadhvan port is expected to significantly enhance the state’s deep draught port capacity and strengthen its global maritime position.
MMB manages a wide network of notified ports and operational facilities across the coastline. Out of the 48 notified state ports, 16 are currently operational. These ports collectively handled 70.33 million tonnes of cargo in 2024-25, reflecting the growing importance of non-major ports in regional cargo movement and coastal trade. The four greenfield ports – Dighi, JSW Jaigad, Angre and Redi – represent key infrastructure assets developed to enhance regional cargo capacity and support industrial growth along the coastline. In addition, there are six captive jetties, four multipurpose jetties and two MMB-owned jetties, which play a critical role in ensuring operational continuity and supporting strategic maritime activities.
Passenger water transport remains a key activity for MMB. The network currently operates across 36 routes, carrying more than 18 million passengers annually. This system contributes to decentralised maritime mobility and supports connectivity across coastal and island locations. In certain routes, roll-on/roll-off passenger (ro-pax) services allow vehicles such as cars and two-wheelers to travel along with passengers, improving transport convenience.
Maritime Development Policy
The Maharashtra Maritime Development Policy, promulgated in August 2023, provides a comprehensive framework for port development and maritime infrastructure expansion. The policy was developed after reviewing national and global trends, conducting market studies and consulting stakeholders.
Key focus areas include private sector participation, port-led industrialisation, competitive royalty rates and passenger water transport development. Ports are classified by investment size – micro ports (up to Rs 500 million), small ports (up to Rs 2.5 billion), medium ports (up to Rs 7.5 billion) and mega ports (up to Rs 30 billion), along with fixed capital projects (up to Rs 100 million). Concession periods vary by category, with micro and small ports granted 30 years plus a 20-year extension, medium and large ports 50 years plus 20 years, and mega ports 70 years plus 20 years. For captive jetties, the concession period is 30 years, extendable by another 30 years, while MMB jetties, marinas, floatels and houseboats have separate concession and
extension structures.
The policy also offers a range of incentives, including exemptions from certain duties and charges, support for infrastructure development and customised packages for large projects. These measures aim to attract investment, facilitate port-based industrial development and strengthen maritime
connectivity across the state.
Strengthening the shipbuilding ecosystem
Maharashtra has developed a significant shipbuilding ecosystem, supported by both defence and commercial shipyards. MMB currently operates nine shipyards across the state. These shipyards are engaged in ship construction, and tugboat and cargo vessel manufacturing. They contribute to employment generation and support coastal shipping activities.
The state introduced the Maharashtra Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Ship Recycling Policy in 2025. The policy aims to position Maharashtra as a leading hub for shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing by promoting integrated development, private participation and infrastructure expansion. The policy framework is built around six key pillars – defined development models, fiscal incentives, enabling infrastructure, regulatory coordination, skill development, and research and development. It promotes the creation of marine shipyard clusters, shipyards within existing and upcoming ports, and standalone shipyards. Capital subsidy of up to 15 per cent of the project cost is provided in milestone-linked instalments. To strengthen workforce capabilities, the state provides financial support of up to 60 per cent of the facility cost, subject to a ceiling of Rs 50 million, for the establishment of skill development centres. In addition, annual assistance of up to Rs 10 million, or 50 per cent of the actual expenditure incurred, is available for skilling, reskilling and upskilling initiatives, enabling the creation of a future-ready maritime workforce aligned with industry requirements.
Through a combination of infrastructure expansion, policy-driven incentives, workforce development and innovation support, Maharashtra is systematically enhancing its shipbuilding capabilities. The integrated approach not only improves the competitiveness of the shipbuilding sector but also reinforces the broader maritime value chain, contributing to economic growth, industrial diversification and long-term sustainability within the state’s maritime economy.
Emerging maritime opportunities
Passenger water transport continues to expand, with MMB identifying new routes and improving infrastructure to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion on urban transport networks. Jetties and supporting infrastructure are being developed and upgraded to provide reliable and efficient water-based transport.
In addition to infrastructure development, MMB performs regulatory and facilitation functions across maritime activities. These include vessel registration, surveys, certification and ensuring compliance with maritime safety and security requirements. MMB also supports inland vessel operations and is implementing digital processes to improve efficiency and reduce administrative delays. Measures such as online systems for vessel surveys and certifications are being introduced to streamline operational procedures.
The state is also working towards introducing water metro services to improve urban connectivity and reduce road and rail congestion. Identified routes and infrastructure are under preparation, with studies being conducted on operational feasibility, route conditions and technical requirements such as dredging and navigation. These initiatives aim to provide an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative mode of transport while improving coastal mobility and urban connectivity.
MMB plays a key role in land and waterfront management for maritime development. The allocation of waterfront and land parcels supports port infrastructure, industrial activity and logistics development along the coastline.
Cluster-based development is being promoted to strengthen maritime infrastructure and attract investment. MMB is facilitating opportunities in port connectivity, port-based industrialisation, coastal tourism, coastal shipping, passenger transport and shipyard development.
In the port segment, there is significant potential for capacity expansion, the development of logistics hubs and the growth of allied maritime services. These initiatives aim to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen port connectivity and enable long-term, sustainable maritime growth. In the shipbuilding segment, Maharashtra has identified six marine shipyard clusters and 11 standalone shipyard sites, creating a strong pipeline of development opportunities.
Outlook
The Maharashtra maritime sector continues to expand through port development, shipbuilding initiatives, passenger transport growth and policy-driven investment promotion. Future development is expected to focus on strengthening maritime infrastructure, improving
connectivity and expanding port capacity.
Upcoming large-scale port projects and ongoing infrastructure development are expected to improve the state’s maritime competitiveness and support trade growth. Through coordinated policy, infrastructure expansion and private participation, MMB aims to strengthen the maritime ecosystem and support long-term sectoral development.
Based on remarks and presentation
by a representative from the MMB at a
recent India Infrastructure conference
