The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is aiming to transition 80% of India's major ports to the landlord model by the end of this decade, according to Secretary TK Ramachandran.
This model involves private players taking over operational aspects while the port authority acts as a regulator and landlord, with the goal of increasing efficiency and reducing logistics costs.
Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2024, Ramachandran highlighted that Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) is the first major port in India to achieve 100% landlord status, with all berths operated under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The PPP model is recognized as an effective tool for attracting investment in the port sector.
"We have 12 major ports, and we have a huge capacity. We want to shift to an 80% landlord model by the end of this decade," Ramachandran stated.
He outlined four key pillars that the ministry is focusing on to improve the cost and ease of doing business: developing port-based industrial clusters, investing in the maritime sector, ensuring successful PPPs, and promoting multi-modal transportation.
Ramachandran also noted significant progress in India's waterways infrastructure. "Ten years ago, India had five national waterways. Now, the country has 111 waterways. We have reformed the Major Ports Act and the Inland Vessels Act. We have made changes to the model concession agreements (MCAs) to make them more private sector-friendly, banking-friendly, and investment-friendly," he added.
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