Coastal connectivity, digital tech to drive next growth phase for Indian ports: Official

Coastal connectivity and digital technology are set to drive the next phase of growth for Indian ports, according to officials speaking at the second CII Conference on Ports and Logistics held in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

The conference, themed “The Visakhapatnam Pivot – Building an Integrated East Coast Logistics Corridor,” brought together government and industry leaders to discuss ways to enhance the efficiency of the country's port infrastructure.

Devendra Kumar, Additional Member (Traffic) on the Railway Board, described ports as the “gates to prosperity” and underscored the need for seamless railway connectivity between seaports, manufacturing hubs, and inland markets to handle growing cargo volumes efficiently.

“Smooth rail links are vital for moving goods from factories to ports and onward to global markets,” Kumar said, adding that the Ministry of Railways is implementing freight reforms, expanding track capacity, and exploring limited access to its digital tracking systems to improve cargo visibility.

He noted that establishing the new South Coast Railway Zone headquarters in Visakhapatnam would help resolve supply chain bottlenecks faster, particularly for cargo originating from mineral-rich states such as Odisha and Jharkhand.

Under the Swarna Andhra Vision 2047, the state government aims to transform its 1,053-kilometre coastline into a premier logistics hub. R. Dhananjayulu, Advisor to the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board, revealed that the state is investing ₹17,400 crore in three new port projects to expand capacity beyond the current 300 million tonnes per year. He also mentioned plans for a unified digital logistics dashboard that would integrate data from road, rail, port, and warehouse networks.

Addressing operational challenges, Roshni Aparanji Korati, Deputy Chairperson of the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, highlighted ₹334 crore worth of road and flyover projects aimed at easing traffic congestion at railway crossings.

Industry leaders at the conference called for stronger connectivity between industrial parks and ports. CII Vice Chairman Dr. G. Sambasiva Rao proposed a target of increasing cargo handling from 198 million tonnes to 500 million tonnes, which he argued is achievable with coordinated investment and policy support.

Private sector representatives urged closer collaboration between companies and government agencies to unlock the region's full trade potential. The conference concluded with a consensus on the need for a holistic approach to infrastructure development, integrating rail, road, and digital systems to create a robust logistics ecosystem along the eastern coast.