India Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme: Modi Cabinet Approves Rs 10000 Crore Plan to Build Container Hub

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a Rs 10,000 crore Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme, a major push to make India a globally competitive centre for container production. The scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, will run for 13 years, up to financial year 2039-40. Its central goal is to raise India’s annual domestic container production capacity nearly tenfold, from current levels to 7.5 lakh twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) by 2040, reducing the country’s dependence on imports. At present, India imports a large share of the containers it needs for trade. The government believes that building domestic capacity will strengthen supply chains, cut logistics costs and support the wider goal of self-reliance in maritime logistics. The financial package has three main components. Output-linked assistance of Rs 8,891 crore will support containers built to global shipping standards and sold by eligible manufacturers, helping Indian-made containers compete on price internationally. Interest subvention of 3 per cent a year, worth Rs 859 crore, will be available on term loans taken to set up new units or expand existing capacity. A further Rs 150 crore is earmarked for testing and certification support, so that Indian containers meet global standards. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the scheme would help both new manufacturing units and the expansion of existing ones, positioning India as an alternative manufacturing destination and diversifying supply chains. Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal described it as a strong step towards reducing import dependence. The government expects the scheme to create around 3,000 direct jobs and more than 50,000 indirect jobs, while giving fresh momentum to Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the shipping and logistics sector.