PM Modi inaugurates Bharat Container Line

By Admin

31 Oct, 2025

India has taken a monumental leap in maritime self-reliance with the launch of its first national container shipping line Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL). Officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Global Maritime CEO Forum during India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, this initiative marks a defining moment in the country’s maritime history and its vision for economic independence.

Strengthening India’s Maritime Presence

BCSL represents a crucial step in reducing India’s dependence on foreign shipping lines and reclaiming control over its seaborne trade. The new national carrier begins operations with a fleet of 51 boxships, backed by a $6.9 billion investment. The company operates under a public–private partnership (PPP) model, supported by the Maritime Development Fund, and will initially focus on regional routes   connecting Asia, West Asia, and the Red Sea   before expanding to global trade networks.

A Vision of Maritime Confidence

Prime Minister Modi described BCSL as a part of India’s “new era of maritime confidence.” He emphasized that the country’s maritime sector is “advancing with great speed and energy”, supported by record-breaking investments, modern infrastructure, and progressive policy reforms aimed at transforming India into a global maritime hub.

Aligning with Maritime India Vision 2047

The inauguration of BCSL perfectly aligns with the government’s ambitious Maritime India Vision 2047, a roadmap to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities and logistics infrastructure. The vision aims to ensure that a larger share of India’s growing containerized trade is handled by domestic carriers, enhancing national earnings and global competitiveness.

Major Announcements and Investments

During the event, PM Modi also unveiled several state-backed shipping orders to boost domestic shipbuilding. These include:

• Nearly 60 oil and gas vessels worth around $5.7 billion
  
  

• A Green Tug Programme featuring 100 eco-friendly tugs
  
  

• 11 dredgers for the Dredging Corporation of India
  
  

In total, 437 new vessels worth a combined $26 billion were announced   a clear indication of India’s commitment to maritime modernization and sustainability.

Expanding the National Fleet

Further highlighting the nation’s long-term maritime ambitions, Modi confirmed that the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) plans to expand its fleet to 216 vessels by 2047. This expansion underlines India’s determination to achieve maritime self-reliance, rejuvenate its fleet, and support the evolving global logistics ecosystem.

Conclusion

The launch of Bharat Container Shipping Line is more than just a national milestone   it’s a statement of India’s global intent. By strengthening its shipping infrastructure and investing heavily in fleet development, India is charting a course toward becoming a maritime powerhouse. As PM Modi noted, this initiative reflects India’s confidence, capability, and commitment to shaping the future of global maritime trade.