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Maharashtra Port and Maritime Transport Council

Shaping the Future of India's Maritime Hub

The Maharashtra Port and Maritime Transport Council is established to transform Maharashtra into a leading maritime state in India. With a coastline of approximately 720 kilometers, stretching from Palghar in the north to Sindhudurg in the south, Maharashtra holds the potential to become a global maritime hub. The council will oversee the strategic development of both major and non-major ports, promote coastal shipping, and enhance the state’s maritime infrastructure, creating a seamless network for global trade and logistics.

The council will focus on building a maritime ecosystem that encompasses port-led development, sustainable maritime practices, and the promotion of marine tourism, contributing to Maharashtra’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

Vision of the Maharashtra Port and Maritime Transport Council

The council aims to position Maharashtra as the maritime gateway to India by developing world-class port infrastructure, improving connectivity, and promoting coastal economic zones. Through public-private partnerships (PPP) and strategic investments, the council will foster innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency in the maritime sector, driving Maharashtra’s growth as a global shipping and logistics hub.

Key Focus Areas of the Maharashtra Port and Maritime Transport Council

Ports and Port Connectivity

Maharashtra’s strategic coastline offers immense potential for developing world-class ports, ensuring the smooth handling of global cargo traffic. The council will focus on modernizing existing ports and developing new ports to handle increasing traffic and enhance connectivity.

Key Initiatives for Port Development:
  • Identification of New Port Projects: The council will oversee the identification of new sites for port development, ensuring a balanced distribution of port infrastructure across the state. This includes:
    • Dighi Port Expansion: Expansion and modernization of Dighi Port to handle bulk cargo, containerized goods, and liquid cargo, positioning it as a key port for international trade.
    • Jaigad and Vijaydurg Port Projects: Development of new non-major ports at Jaigad and Vijaydurg, ensuring connectivity to Maharashtra’s industrial belts.
  • Port Licensing and Concession Periods: The council will streamline the licensing process for new ports, offering attractive concession periods for private developers to encourage investment.
  • Project Structuring for Private Participation: A well-structured PPP model will be promoted, allowing private players to invest in port infrastructure, jetty development, and cargo handling facilities.
  • Logistics and Evacuation Systems: The development of last-mile connectivity for ports, with dedicated freight corridors and highway linkages, will be prioritized to ensure smooth cargo evacuation.

Port Connectivity Infrastructure:

  • Dedicated Freight Corridors: Propose dedicated corridors connecting major industrial zones such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Aurangabad to the state’s ports. These corridors will integrate with the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).
  • Smart Ports: Maharashtra’s ports will be equipped with smart technologies, including AI-powered traffic management systems, automated cargo handling, and real-time tracking, ensuring operational efficiency.

Key Benefits:

  • Increased cargo handling capacity, ensuring Maharashtra’s ports can compete with leading global ports.
  • Improved port connectivity, facilitating faster movement of goods and reducing logistics costs.
  • Attracting private investments to boost port infrastructure development.

Coastal Shipping and Inland Waterways

Coastal shipping offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to road and rail transport. The council will promote the development of coastal shipping routes and inland waterways, reducing congestion on the state’s roads and rail networks.

Key Coastal Shipping Initiatives:

  • Hub and Spoke Model: Maharashtra’s ports will adopt a hub and spoke model, where Mumbai serves as the central hub for coastal cargo, with spokes reaching smaller ports such as Dighi, Ratnagiri, and Vijaydurg. This model will ensure efficient movement of goods between ports.
  • Ro-PAX Terminals: Develop Ro-PAX terminals at key locations along Maharashtra’s coast to facilitate the movement of both cargo and passengers, promoting coastal shipping for industries such as automotive, steel, and agriculture.
  • Inland Waterways Development: Propose the development of inland waterways connecting Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, offering an alternative route for the transport of heavy cargo and container traffic.

Key Benefits:

  • Cost-effective movement of cargo through coastal shipping, reducing dependence on road transport.
  • Development of dedicated infrastructure to support Ro-PAX operations, improving passenger and cargo transport.
  • Enhanced integration of coastal shipping with international maritime trade routes.

Port-Led Development and Creation of a Maritime Ecosystem

The MIC will focus on leveraging Maharashtra’s port infrastructure to promote port-led development, fostering the growth of coastal economic zones and creating an integrated maritime ecosystem.

Port-Led Development Initiatives:

  • Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs): Develop Coastal Economic Zones in areas such as Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, offering world-class infrastructure for industries such as shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, petrochemicals, and food processing.
  • Integrated Maritime Coastal Regional Plans (MCRPs): Propose MCRPs that integrate port development with industrial growth, ensuring that ports act as catalysts for regional economic development.
  • Logistics and Warehousing Clusters: Develop warehousing hubs and logistics parks near major ports, offering cold storage facilities, custom-bonded warehouses, and value-added services such as container freight stations.

Key Benefits:

  • Creation of self-sufficient coastal economic zones that enhance the competitiveness of Maharashtra’s industries.
  • Job creation and promotion of economic growth in coastal regions, supporting local communities.
  • Enhanced port efficiency and reduction in logistics costs through the development of integrated logistics hubs.

Promotion of Marine Tourism

Maharashtra’s scenic coastline provides ample opportunities for marine tourism. The council will work to develop cruise tourism, marinas, and other marine recreational activities, positioning Maharashtra as a destination for global tourism.

Marine Tourism Development Initiatives:

  • Cruise Tourism: Propose the development of cruise terminals in Mumbai, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, attracting international cruise operators and promoting luxury tourism along Maharashtra’s coast.
  • Marinas and Multipurpose Harbors: Develop marinas and harbors for recreational boating, water sports, and yachting, offering premium facilities for domestic and international tourists.
  • Water Sports and Sea-plane Connectivity: Promote water sports activities such as jet-skiing, scuba diving, and snorkeling at beaches like Alibaug and Ganpatipule, while proposing sea-plane connectivity between Mumbai and popular coastal destinations.

Key Benefits:

  • Enhanced tourism revenue through the development of marine tourism activities.
  • Promotion of Maharashtra as a global destination for cruise tourism and water sports.
  • Creation of sustainable tourism infrastructure, providing employment opportunities for local communities.

Establishment of Ship-Breaking and Recycling Industry

The council will promote the establishment of a ship-breaking and recycling industry along Maharashtra’s coastline, attracting investment in ship repair and recycling facilities.

Ship-Breaking and Recycling Initiatives:

  • Ship Repair Yards: Develop world-class ship repair yards at Mumbai and Ratnagiri, offering repair services to both domestic and international vessels.
  • Ship Recycling Clusters: Establish ship recycling clusters in Raigad and Ratnagiri, attracting private investments and generating employment for coastal communities.
  • Private Sector Investment: Encourage private investment in ship recycling by offering capital subsidies, tax incentives, and concession agreements for developers.

Key Benefits:

  • Creation of a sustainable ship recycling industry that contributes to Maharashtra’s green economy.
  • Employment generation for coastal communities through the development of ship repair and recycling facilities.
  • Positioning Maharashtra as a leader in ship recycling in the Indian Ocean region.

Sustainable Maritime Development

The MIC is committed to promoting sustainable development in the maritime sector, ensuring that Maharashtra’s ports are developed using environment-friendly practices.

Sustainable Port Development Initiatives:

  • Green Port Technologies: Implement green technologies such as solar energy, wind power, and energy-efficient cargo handling systems at Maharashtra’s ports.
  • Environmental Regulations: Ensure that all new port developments comply with Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines and promote the use of eco-friendly construction materials.
  • Marine Environment Protection: Propose initiatives to protect marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems, ensuring that Maharashtra’s coast remains a vibrant ecological zone.

Key Benefits:

  • Promotion of sustainable maritime development, ensuring long-term environmental protection.
  • Adoption of green port technologies, reducing the carbon footprint of port operations.
  • Preservation of marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems through responsible port management.

Incentives for Port and Maritime Investments in Maharashtra

To establish Maharashtra as a leading hub for port development, maritime transport, and coastal economic activities, the Maharashtra Port and Maritime Transport Council is committed to offering a comprehensive and attractive incentive package to investors, developers, and operators. These incentives will cover a wide range of sectors including port development, shipbuilding, logistics, marine tourism, ship recycling, and sustainable maritime technologies.

The goal of these incentives is to attract domestic and international investors, foster public-private partnerships (PPP), and promote innovation and sustainability in Maharashtra’s maritime sector.

Capital Investment Subsidies

Maharashtra will provide substantial capital subsidies to encourage investment in port infrastructure, shipyards, and maritime-related facilities. These subsidies will lower the upfront costs for developers and make investment more attractive.

IncentiveDetails
Port Development SubsidyUp to 40% subsidy on capital investments for the construction of new ports, expansion of existing ports, and development of container terminals.
Marina and Harbor Development35% capital subsidy on investments in the construction of marinas, multi-purpose harbors, and yacht facilities for marine tourism.
Shipyard ConstructionUp to 50% subsidy on capital investments for the development of shipyards, ship repair facilities, and ship recycling clusters.
Logistics Hub and WarehousingUp to 30% subsidy on the development of logistics parks, cold storage facilities, custom-bonded warehouses, and container depots.
Marine Tourism Projects30% subsidy for investments in marine tourism infrastructure, including cruise terminals, water sports facilities, and resorts.
Green Port Initiatives35% subsidy on investments in green port technologies, including solar power installations, energy-efficient cargo handling, and waste management systems.

Land Allotment and Concessions

To support the development of maritime and port infrastructure, Maharashtra will provide land at concessional rates and other related incentives for developers. This ensures that port infrastructure projects have access to strategically located land for both port operations and associated industries.

IncentiveDetails
Land Allotment for Port DevelopmentLong-term leases of up to 99 years for land required for port development, with discounted lease rates for investors in priority sectors.
Concessional Land for Industrial HubsConcessional land allotment for the development of Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs) near ports, facilitating industries like petrochemicals, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.
Fast-Track Land AcquisitionFast-track approvals for land acquisition in designated maritime zones, ensuring quick project implementation and reduced bureaucratic delays.
Preferential Treatment for SEZsLand in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for maritime-related industries will be allotted at concessional rates, promoting exports and industrial growth.

Tax Incentives

Maharashtra will offer a comprehensive range of tax incentives to reduce the operational costs for maritime investors. These incentives include tax holidays, SGST reimbursement, and customs duty exemptions for infrastructure development.

IncentiveDetails
100% SGST ReimbursementFull reimbursement of State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) on the sale of goods and services related to port development, logistics, and maritime operations for a period of 10 years.
Income Tax Holidays10-year income tax holiday for companies involved in port operations, ship recycling, marine tourism, and logistics infrastructure.
Exemption on Stamp Duty and Registration100% exemption on stamp duty and registration fees for port developers, logistics parks, and marine tourism projects during the initial development phase.
Exemption on Electricity DutyExemption on electricity duty for port developers and operators for the first 7 years of operation to reduce energy costs.
Customs Duty ExemptionsCustoms duty exemptions for the import of capital goods, machinery, and equipment required for port development, shipbuilding, and maritime infrastructure.

Interest and Financial Support

To make it easier for investors to finance large-scale maritime projects, Maharashtra will offer interest subsidies and other financial support to companies engaged in port infrastructure, shipbuilding, and logistics.

IncentiveDetails
Interest Subsidy on Loans50% interest subsidy on loans for port infrastructure projects, including cargo terminals, container depots, and logistics hubs, for a period of 7 years.
Subsidized Loans for Marine TourismInterest subsidies on loans for the development of marine tourism facilities, including marinas, cruise terminals, and water sports infrastructure.
Access to Venture CapitalAccess to state-backed venture capital funds for companies investing in innovative maritime technologies, such as green shipping, automation, and smart port solutions.
Export Credit and Financing SupportExport credit facilities for businesses exporting from Maharashtra’s ports, ensuring competitive financing for maritime trade.
Performance-Based Financial SupportAdditional financial incentives based on the performance of ports in terms of cargo handled, employment generated, and adherence to green standards.

Environmental and Sustainable Development Incentives

To promote sustainable port development and reduce the environmental impact of maritime activities, Maharashtra will provide a range of incentives for green projects that focus on energy efficiency, waste management, and carbon footprint reduction.

IncentiveDetails
Green Port Subsidies35% capital subsidy for projects that invest in solar energy, wind energy, and energy-efficient port infrastructure.
Grants for Waste Management SystemsGrants for ports and shipyards that implement waste management, recycling systems, and ballast water treatment technologies.
Carbon Offset CreditsPorts and maritime operators can receive carbon offset credits for implementing low-carbon technologies, which can be traded or used for tax reductions.
Green Building CertificationsSubsidies and tax incentives for developers constructing LEED-certified buildings and eco-friendly facilities within port zones and logistics parks.
Marine Environment Protection FundsFinancial support for ports that invest in marine biodiversity protection, coastal restoration, and sustainable fishing practices in Maharashtra’s coastal regions.

Incentives for Coastal Shipping and Inland Waterways Development

To encourage the growth of coastal shipping and inland waterway networks, Maharashtra will offer specific incentives aimed at reducing the cost of infrastructure development and operations in these sectors.

IncentiveDetails
Subsidies for Coastal Shipping Terminals30% subsidy on the development of coastal shipping terminals, Ro-PAX facilities, and logistics hubs that support coastal trade and transport.
Tax Benefits for Coastal OperatorsIncome tax exemptions for coastal shipping operators for a period of 10 years, promoting the use of coastal shipping routes over road transport.
Inland Waterways Development GrantsGrants and subsidies for the construction and operation of inland waterway terminals, encouraging the use of waterways for freight movement and reducing congestion on roads.
Custom Duty ExemptionsCustoms duty exemptions for the import of vessels, barges, and infrastructure required for coastal and inland waterway shipping.

Incentives for Marine Tourism Development

Maharashtra’s coastline holds immense potential for marine tourism, and the state is offering lucrative incentives to investors in cruise tourism, marinas, and water sports infrastructure.

IncentiveDetails
Subsidies for Cruise Terminal Development30% subsidy on investments in cruise terminals, encouraging the development of luxury cruises, ferry services, and international passenger routes.
Marina Development Subsidy35% subsidy on investments in marina infrastructure, including yacht facilities, docking stations, and premium waterfront hospitality services.
Water Sports and Adventure Tourism GrantsGrants and incentives for companies developing water sports, including jet-skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing along Maharashtra’s coast.
Sea-Plane Connectivity SubsidyFinancial support for the development of sea-plane infrastructure, encouraging connectivity between Mumbai and key coastal tourism destinations like Alibaug and Ratnagiri.

Special Incentives for Technology and Innovation in Maritime Sector

Maharashtra is committed to becoming a leader in maritime innovation. Incentives will be provided for companies developing advanced technologies in port automation, smart logistics, and shipbuilding.

IncentiveDetails
Smart Port Technology GrantsGrants for the deployment of smart port technologies, such as AI-driven cargo handling systems, real-time monitoring systems, and blockchain-based logistics solutions.
Incentives for Automation and RoboticsSubsidies for the installation of robotics and automated systems in container handling, ship repair, and cargo management to enhance operational efficiency.
Innovation and R&D SupportGrants for R&D in maritime technologies, including smart ports, AI-based maritime navigation, and green shipbuilding technologies.
Digital Infrastructure DevelopmentTax benefits for the development of digital infrastructure, such as port management systems, real-time data analytics, and digital shipping platforms.

Incentives for Employment Generation and Skill Development

To promote local employment and the development of skilled workers in the maritime sector, Maharashtra will offer incentives for companies that generate employment and invest in skill development programs.

IncentiveDetails
Employment Generation GrantsGrants and subsidies for companies that create a significant number of jobs in port development, shipbuilding, logistics, and marine tourism sectors.
Skill Development Subsidies50% reimbursement for companies investing in maritime skill development programs, including training for port operators, logistics managers, and shipyard workers.
On-the-Job Training IncentivesFinancial support for companies offering on-the-job training and internships for local workers in the maritime sector, promoting skill development and job creation.

Export Promotion and Trade Facilitation

Maharashtra will provide incentives to promote exports and facilitate international trade through its ports, ensuring that exporters have access to world-class infrastructure and trade finance options.

IncentiveDetails
Export Infrastructure GrantsGrants for developing export-related infrastructure, including cold storage facilities, customs bonded warehouses, and container freight stations near major ports.
Export Credit and Trade Finance SupportTrade credit facilities and low-interest export financing for companies using Maharashtra’s ports to export goods globally.
Export Duty ExemptionsDuty exemptions on goods exported from Maharashtra’s ports, promoting the state’s position as India’s leading export hub.
International Trade Facilitation ServicesAccess to state-backed trade facilitation services, ensuring smooth and efficient export processes for businesses using Maharashtra’s ports.

Conclusion: Maharashtra Leading India’s Maritime Revolution

The Maharashtra Port and Maritime Transport Council is committed to transforming Maharashtra into a global maritime hub by developing world-class port infrastructure, promoting coastal shipping, and fostering sustainable development. By encouraging private participation, creating integrated coastal economic zones, and promoting marine tourism, the council will ensure Maharashtra’s leadership in India’s maritime sector.

With a strategic focus on sustainability, technology-driven port operations, and global connectivity, Maharashtra will lead the way in driving port-led economic growth, becoming the preferred destination for international trade and logistics.

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