Drawing from the road sector’s success, Gadkari highlighted how his ministry mobilised ₹1.4 trillion through ToT, InvITs, and PPP models.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Monday called for the adoption of innovative financing models to unlock investment in India’s $1 trillion maritime economy. Speaking at India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 in Mumbai, Gadkari said the sector holds immense potential across ports, shipping, and logistics, and must now embrace private innovation to accelerate execution and reduce fiscal burden.
Drawing parallels with the road sector, Gadkari cited the success of his ministry in mobilising ₹1.4 trillion through toll-operate-transfer (ToT), Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), and public-private partnership (PPP) models. These mechanisms, he said, had raised private participation from 10 to 35 per cent, improved project quality, and ensured efficient fund flow.
“Similar approaches can be adapted for ship financing to catalyse growth, improve delivery timelines, and build global investor confidence,” Gadkari said.
He also commended Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sagarmala 2.0, which aims to boost shipbuilding, repair and recycling, enhance port efficiency, strengthen the coastal economy, and revive inland waterways.
“With private innovation, transparent governance, and time-bound execution, India can emerge as a globally competitive maritime leader,” Gadkari added.
The minister also launched the India Maritime Report 2025-26, prepared by the Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity (CMEC) at Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS). Titled Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision: India’s Maritime Strides, the report outlines India’s investment surge, policy reforms, and strategic roadmap to become a top maritime power by 2047.