The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, addressed India Maritime Week 2025 on October 27th at Mumbai, where he focused on the theme “Innovative Mechanisms for Ship Financing.” During his address, Shri Gadkari noted that India’s maritime sector valued at nearly USD 1 trillion (₹84 lakh crore) presented significant investment opportunities across ports, shipping, and logistics.
He referenced the achievements of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), which successfully mobilized ₹1.4 lakh crore through ToT, InvITs, and PPP models. Private participation in road infrastructure had increased from 10% to 35%, demonstrating the effectiveness of new financing frameworks in accelerating execution and improving asset quality.
Innovative Mechanisms for Ship Financing
Emphasizing the strength of private sector innovation, Shri Gadkari stated that similar financing approaches in the maritime domain could enhance project delivery, maintain high standards, and reduce financial burden on the government by ensuring efficient fund flow.
As part of the event proceedings, Shri Gadkari launched the CMEG (RIS) – India Maritime Report 2025-26, titled “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision: India’s Maritime Strides.”
He also appreciated the efforts of the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in advancing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Sagarmala 2.0 vision, which aims to reinvigorate shipbuilding, repair and recycling capabilities, improve port efficiency, strengthen the coastal economy, and revive inland waterways.
Shri Gadkari highlighted that with private-sector dynamism, transparent governance, and time-bound execution, India was well-positioned to strengthen global confidence in its maritime leadership and competitiveness.
