Author: Cargo Insights

Sarbananda Sonowal unveils portal and issues first NoC to spur private investment in jetty, terminal development. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched a digital portal developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to streamline private investment in infrastructure along India’s national waterways. The move coincides with the implementation of the National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025, aimed at easing entry and operations for private players in inland water transport (IWT). The new framework allows entities to develop or operate jetties and terminals on any national waterway by obtaining a digital No Objection…

Piyush Goyal meets Export Promotion Councils to discuss trade opportunities and resilience amid global disruptions. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi to assess the evolving global trade environment and explore emerging opportunities. The session brought together Export Promotion Councils and industry bodies to deliberate on challenges and strategies amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Despite disruptions like the Red Sea crisis, the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, and tensions in the Gulf, India achieved record exports exceeding USD 820 billion in FY 2024–25. Goyal credited this milestone to the resilience and dedication…

India and Russia strengthen economic ties by finalizing six key collaborative projects at high-level meeting in New Delhi. New Delhi hosted the 8th Session of the India-Russia Working Group on Priority Investment Projects, marking a significant step in bilateral cooperation. The meeting, held under the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation, focused on accelerating joint investments in strategic sectors. The session concluded with both sides signing a protocol identifying six new projects of mutual strategic interest. These initiatives aim to enhance long-term investment ties and deepen engagement in sectors including energy, transport, infrastructure, and manufacturing.…

Tarun Kalra’s journey—from law to shipping and journalism—shapes his unique perspective on global trade. As MSC’s Regional Senior VP, he drives innovation and leadership in maritime logistics. Discover his insights on navigating the evolving shipping landscape in this exclusive story. Global trade faces geopolitical disruption; technology and adaptability are vital for resilience Tarun Kalra’s career trajectory defies convention. With a background in law, a stint in the newspaper industry in New York, and a successful leadership role in shipping, his journey embodies the power of adaptability. Reflecting on this diverse experience, he states, “Experience in different industries, functions, and business…

Adani Ports kicks off operations at CWIT in Colombo, marking a key India-Sri Lanka maritime infrastructure milestone. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone has commenced operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) on April 6, 2025. Developed in partnership with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and John Keells Holdings, the project marks a major step in India-Sri Lanka port collaboration. Though commercial operations have begun, the first vessel is expected to call in May. The $800 million deep-water terminal features a 1,400-metre quay and 20-metre depth, enabling it to handle up to 3.2 million TEUs annually. It is also…

Union Minister Piyush Goyal urges industry to embrace nationalism and unity to convert global challenges into opportunities. Speaking at FICCI’s Foundation Day in Mumbai, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, called on Indian businesses to rise above global challenges with a spirit of nationalism and collaboration. Highlighting India’s success during the Y2K crisis and COVID-19, he said the country is well-positioned to transform today’s global uncertainties into long-term growth opportunities. Shri Goyal emphasised the need for industry unity and mutual support, echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s 1931 message to FICCI that nationalism must guide economic progress. “Prime Minister Shri…

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launches advanced machinery and green tug programme at Cochin Shipyard. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled advanced shipbuilding machinery at Cochin Shipyard (CSL), reinforcing India’s push for maritime self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. He inaugurated the Industry 4.0-ready ProArc CNC Plasma Cum Oxy Fuel Plate Cutting Machine, enhancing real-time production monitoring and efficiency under the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) 2.0. Presiding over the steel-cutting ceremony of two hybrid Green Tugs under the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP), the Minister announced India’s first indigenously built electric propulsion tugs, with 16…

New 26% reciprocal tariff by the U.S. sparks fears for Indian agri exports, from shrimp and rice to agrochemicals The U.S. decision to impose a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods has cast a shadow over India’s export-driven agriculture and allied sectors. Key products like shrimp, basmati rice, and agrochemicals face serious competitiveness issues, with ripple effects expected on employment and farm incomes. Shrimp exports, worth $2.4 billion in 2023, are now subject to a combined duty of 34.26%—including existing anti-dumping and countervailing duties—compared to 13.78% for Ecuador and 74.6% for Vietnam. This change drastically reduces India’s edge in the…

DCBA marked its 53rd year with a grand annual dinner and music night, honouring senior members for their contributions. The Delhi Customs Brokers Association (DCBA) commemorated its 53rd year with a grand Annual Dinner and Musical Entertainment evening on March 29, 2025, at Krishna Greens, Bijwasan, New Delhi. The event witnessed a vibrant turnout of over 600 members and their spouses, setting a new record with more than 100 spouses in attendance. Senior members of the association were felicitated by the current Managing Committee for their long-standing service and dedication to the Customs Brokers community. The evening served as a…

IKEA Supply and BLR Logistiks launch India’s first electric heavy-duty truck, completing 100 trips between Mumbai and Pune. In a significant move toward sustainable logistics, IKEA Supply, a unit of Inter IKEA Group, in collaboration with BLR Logistiks, has introduced India’s first electric heavy-duty truck on public roads. The vehicle, which began operations in October 2024, recently marked its 100th successful journey transporting IKEA goods across a 120-kilometre stretch between Mumbai Port, a distribution centre in Pune, and the IKEA store in Mumbai. This initiative is the result of strategic route optimisation and streamlined logistics processes. Previously handled by two…

Ashwini Vaishnaw says PM GatiShakti is transforming infrastructure planning with geospatial technology Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently emphasised the transformative impact of the PM GatiShakti initiative, calling it a game-changer in infrastructure development and planning across India. Speaking at a forum highlighting technology-driven governance, he stated that the platform is significantly reducing time and costs in executing large-scale infrastructure projects. He noted that PM GatiShakti’s integration of geospatial technology has brought unprecedented transparency and coordination among various departments, helping accelerate decision-making processes. The initiative supports data-backed project planning and aims to minimise resource duplication while enhancing the overall efficiency of…

PM Modi launches major infrastructure works in Tamil Nadu, highlights Pamban Bridge and Blue Economy focus Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for rail and road projects worth over ₹8,300 crore in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. Among the key highlights was the inauguration of India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge— the new Pamban Rail Bridge—linking Rameswaram to the mainland. Built at a cost exceeding ₹700 crore, the 2.08 km bridge features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre lift span that enables large ships to pass underneath while ensuring smooth train operations. The Prime Minister flagged off a…