India has formally moved to establish a national container carrier with the signing of a memorandum of understanding to launch the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL), marking a coordinated push to build an integrated, domestically anchored container ecosystem.
The MoU was signed under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and was witnessed by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways. The initiative brings together key state-owned shipping, logistics, port, and finance entities in a joint effort spanning shipping, ports, and rail-linked logistics.
The agreement was signed by Shipping Corporation of India, Container Corporation of India, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, V O Chidambaranar Port Authority, Chennai Port Authority, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited. The initiative operationalises the intent of the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026–27.
According to local sources, the Bharat Container Shipping Line is intended to reduce India’s reliance on foreign carriers by anchoring container shipping capacity under Indian control, while improving supply chain resilience and cost stability for exporters and importers.
Alongside the BCSL MoU, a separate tripartite agreement was signed between V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Indian Railway Finance Corporation, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited to finance the Outer Harbour Project at Tuticorin. The agreement provides for joint funding of up to INR 15,000 crore for eligible port capacity expansion projects under the Sagarmala Programme and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, primarily through a Hybrid Annuity Model.
Mr. Sonowal said the initiatives represent strategic steps toward building national capability in container shipping, strengthening port infrastructure, and advancing India’s long-term maritime vision. He said the Bharat Container Shipping Line would help anchor India’s container trade domestically and enhance the country’s strategic and commercial presence in global maritime trade.
Mr. Vaishnaw described the launch of the container line as the realization of a long-pending vision, adding that it would contribute to the development of a robust, world-class container ecosystem, supported by investments of around INR 15,000 crore.
Officials have pointed out that India’s growing economy and rising trade volumes have highlighted the need for a national container carrier, noting that the absence of one has historically left exporters and importers exposed to volatile freight rates and global supply chain disruptions.
