India Infrastructure Series: Seaports - Anchoring Maritime & Economic Growth

Rooted in centuries of maritime exchange, India’s coastline now anchors a modern port ecosystem that handles nearly 95% of the country’s merchandise trade by volume. This network is entering a new phase of growth, supported by approximately INR 5.8 trillion in port-linked investments, capacity expansion, and sustained policy momentum. These forces are strengthening industrial corridors, improving multimodal connectivity, and accelerating coastal development across the country.

As global supply chains evolve and India deepens its integration with international trade routes, the maritime sector is emerging as a strategic pillar of national competitiveness. The government’s policy push is changing the operating environment for ports while creating new demand for high-quality industrial, logistics, and supporting real estate.

CBRE Research’s India Infrastructure Series began earlier this year with the Airports edition, which explored how aviation networks propel regional growth. Building on that foundation, this Seaports edition examines how modern port infrastructure is opening strategic opportunities for developers, occupiers, and investors across emerging industrial, logistics, and urban ecosystems.

Key Highlights from the report:

·         India’s coastline features 12 major ports and 200+ non-major ports, with two additional major ports under construction, expected to be operational within the next five years.

·         A case study on JNPA Port illustrates how India’s largest container terminal is fuelling export-driven growth.

·         Port-linked development is fostering industrial and warehousing clusters across key coastal micro-markets, supported by Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZs), SEZs, and multimodal connectivity

·         Opportunities spanning industrial parks, logistics hubs, and port-adjacent facilities for developers, investors, and large occupiers

To gain further insights on Indian ports’ modernisation spree as well as emerging opportunities across the real estate spectrum, please click on the download button.