Rane invites global investors to Maharashtra ports, cites Rs 76,000 crore in agreements

Mumbai: Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane has appealed to investors around the world to come to Maharashtra, set up industries here and become partners in India's progress in the global maritime economy. He was speaking at a FICCI platform. According to Rane, under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra is moving towards taking its strengths in ports, shipping, logistics and exports to the global level.

The fourth Maritime India Conference and Expo, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), is being held at NESCO in Goregaon from November 2 to 4, 2026. It was inaugurated by Nitesh Rane. On the occasion, he spoke about the various investment opportunities in Maharashtra's port and maritime sector, the development of infrastructure and the sector's future plans.

Those present at the event included FICCI president Vijay Shankar, Dhruv Gautam, Captain Abul Kalam Azad, Gaurav Dayal of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Jerry Velhelden of the Netherlands, Shipping Corporation of India Managing Director Vinesh Tyagi, N B H Rajput, Principal Secretary of the Odisha Commerce and Transport Department, and Pradeep B, Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Maritime Board.

Rane said Maharashtra has a long coastline, natural harbours, strong industrial infrastructure and good arrangements for exports. For these reasons, the state can become an important hub of the port industry. He said large-scale investment is being encouraged for the development of the state's maritime sector, and investment agreements worth Rs 76,000 crore have already been signed in the sector.

According to the minister, emphasis is being laid on developing infrastructure to advance opportunities in ports, shipping, logistics and exports. To encourage investors, attention is also being paid to facilities such as "one-window clearance", he said.

Rane said work is under way on new ideas in water transport, such as the Mumbai Water Metro, to modernise the state's maritime sector. He expressed confidence that the Mumbai Water Metro will become the world's largest water transport system. According to him, an effort is on to give Maharashtra's maritime sector a new direction by increasing port capacity, widening the reach of shipping and logistics, and promoting exports.

He also said investment opportunities in the port and maritime sector are being expanded by combining Maharashtra's natural geographical strengths with industrial capacity and modern infrastructure. Rane asked global investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in Maharashtra and to set up industries in shipbuilding and ship repair along with ports.

Rane said Maharashtra's contribution to the national goal of raising India's maritime capacity in the Amrit Kaal will be significant. Investment in the sector will not only expand industries but also create new employment opportunities in the state. He expressed confidence that the summit will prove important in making Maharashtra the country's leading maritime and sea-trade hub.