Container Manufacturing Scheme to Attract ₹1 Trillion Investment, Says Sonowal

By Admin

04 Feb, 2026

India’s push to become a global maritime and logistics powerhouse received a major boost with the announcement of a dedicated container manufacturing support scheme in the Union Budget 2026–27. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has said the ambitious initiative is expected to attract investments exceeding ₹1 trillion, significantly strengthen domestic manufacturing, and enhance India’s role in global supply chains.

Building a Strong Domestic Container Ecosystem

Unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the ₹10,000 crore container manufacturing assistance programme is designed to create a robust domestic production base. The scheme aims to sharply reduce India’s dependence on imported containers, conserve foreign exchange, and ensure supply chain resilience.

According to Sonowal, the initiative is structured to develop an annual domestic manufacturing capacity of around 750,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This would account for nearly 10 per cent of global container demand over the coming years, placing India among the key global container manufacturing hubs.

Employment Generation and Industrial Growth

Beyond capacity creation, the scheme is expected to deliver strong socio-economic benefits. The minister highlighted that it could generate around 3,000 direct jobs and nearly 50,000 indirect jobs across ancillary industries such as steel, logistics, fabrication, coatings, and transportation. This employment push aligns with the government’s broader manufacturing and skill development objectives.

Strategic Boost to National Shipping Capabilities

Sonowal underlined that the container manufacturing scheme will play a catalytic role in supporting the newly formed Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL), envisioned as India’s national container carrier. BCSL’s growth strategy includes acquiring mid-size vessels for regional and coastal operations in the initial phase, with a gradual transition to larger ocean-going ships.

A strong domestic container supply, combined with an expanding national fleet, is expected to improve freight availability, reduce costs, and strengthen India’s strategic autonomy in maritime trade.

Tax, Customs, and Investment Reforms

In addition to the container support scheme, Sonowal pointed to recent tax and customs reforms announced in the Budget. Measures such as extending tax-holiday periods for units in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and revising Customs duty exemptions are expected to improve after-tax returns for investors.

These reforms, he said, will make India a more attractive base for global ship ownership, leasing, and maritime services, helping unlock fresh domestic and foreign investment pipelines.

A Broader Maritime Vision

The container manufacturing initiative forms part of a wider maritime roadmap. Sonowal reiterated the government’s medium- to long-term focus on expanding port capacity, implementing coastal shipping reforms, and providing regulatory clarity under the newly enacted Coastal Shipping Act, 2025.

Together, these measures aim to build a more competitive, efficient, and investor-friendly maritime ecosystem, while improving overall logistics performance and reducing trade costs.

Outlook and Expectations

Officials believe the combined impact of the container manufacturing push, national shipping expansion, and investment-friendly reforms could transform India’s position in the global maritime and logistics landscape. As Sonowal summed it up, the scheme is “not just about building boxes, but about building capability, jobs, and a globally competitive industry that supports India’s trade ambitions.”

With sustained policy support and private sector participation, India is poised to emerge as a key player in global container manufacturing and shipping in the years ahead.