From Imports to Impact: How CMAS & Gati Shakti are Turning India into a Container Powerhouse

“Indirect Tax I Indirect Tax Litigation I Customs & FTP I Central Licensing I Arbitration I Advisory”

Dated: 18.08.2026

From Imports to Impact: How CMAS & Gati Shakti are Turning India into a Container Powerhouse

India’s growing trade and manufacturing ambitions have increased the need for a strong domestic container manufacturing base. The proposed Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS), backed by a ₹10,000 crore outlay, seeks to promote manufacturing, investment and technology development across the container ecosystem. With broader reforms in shipping, ports and logistics, the initiative is expected to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities, generate employment and support India’s long-term trade competitiveness.

The Need for Domestic Container Manufacturing

Global trade today is increasingly driven by containerised logistics. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), around 80% of global merchandise trade by volume is transported by sea. Maritime transport forms the backbone of international commerce. Meanwhile, containerised cargo accounts for nearly two-thirds of the value of international trade. These trends highlight the strategic importance of efficient container logistics in supporting global supply chains.

In recent years, geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions and changing shipping routes have exposed vulnerabilities in the global movement of goods. UNCTAD has observed that these disruptions have contributed to freight-rate volatility and increased pressure on maritime transport networks. As a result, many countries are placing greater emphasis on enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities for critical logistics assets, including shipping containers.

India’s growing role in global manufacturing and international trade has significantly increased the demand for containerized cargo movement. However, despite expanding export-import (EXIM) trade and rapid logistics development, India has largely depended on imported empty containers. India imports nearly 2 million empty containers every year to meet domestic demand and for repositioning purposes. This has made container availability vulnerable to global market fluctuations, freight volatility and supply-chain disruptions.

Recognizing these emerging challenges, the Government announced the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS). It aims to establish a globally competitive container manufacturing ecosystem in India by promoting domestic manufacturing and encouraging investment across the value chain. The initiative also seeks to reduce import dependence and strengthen supply-chain resilience. Further, it complements the Government’s initiatives under Make in India, Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and multimodal logistics development, contributing to India’s long-term maritime and trade ambitions.

What is Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS)?

CMAS was announced in the Union Budget 2026–27. It is a targeted initiative to establish a competitive domestic container manufacturing industry through financial and institutional support.

With an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over five years, the proposed scheme supports establishment of new manufacturing facilities and expansion of existing units. It also aims to enhance manufacturing capacity to meet India’s growing demand for shipping containers.

The initiative targets an annual domestic manufacturing capacity of around 10 times the existing container production capacity upto 7.5 lakh Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). It is expected to generate a market opportunity of nearly ₹80000 lakh crore while positioning India as a reliable producer of internationally competitive shipping containers.

To strengthen the container manufacturing value chain, the scheme provides:

Capital assistance for establishing new Greenfield manufacturing facilities.
Support for expansion of existing Brownfield manufacturing units.
Operational support to improve the competitiveness of domestic container manufacturing.
Support for testing infrastructure, skilling initiatives and capacity building.
Building an Integrated Maritime Ecosystem
CMAS is one element of a broader strategy to build an integrated, domestically anchored container ecosystem. In February 2026, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways signed an MoU to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL). This brings together the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) and the Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SFMCL). The initiative envisages investments of around ₹99,149 crore in fleet development of 51 container vessels of various sizes and domestic container procurement.
This coordinated approach complements the Government’s wider logistics initiatives. These include:
· PM Gati Shakti, enhancing connectivity between ports, railways, highways and industrial centres;
· The National Logistics Policy, supporting operational efficiency; and
· The Sagarmala Programme, promoting port-led development.
These initiatives support a resilient and integrated logistics network for India’s growing trade volumes.

Employment and Manufacturing Opportunities

Beyond improving logistics resilience, CMAS is expected to generate substantial employment and stimulate industrial development.
It has the potential to generate around 3,000 direct jobs and more than 50,000 indirect jobs across container manufacturing and allied industries.

Some of the government schemes available to a container manufacturing startup or MSME are:

CMAS (Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme): Financial assistance of ₹10,000 crore for 5 years for domestic manufacturers based on production milestones.
PLI for Steel and Advanced Manufacturing: production linked incentives of 4-6% on incremental sales for eligible manufacturers.
CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for MSEs): collateral-free loans up to ₹5 crore for MSME manufacturers; higher limits under enhanced scheme.
Eligible for ancillary component manufacturers:
Make in India for Defence and Infrastructure — specialized containers (ISO tank containers, refrigerated reefers) qualify for defence logistics manufacturing incentives.

Gati Shakti for Manufacturers

In order to encourage setting up of cargo terminals through private investment, ‘Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT)’ policy has been launched. Location of the GCTs is decided on the basis of demand from industry, potential of Cargo traffic, availability of railway infrastructure and overall logistics potential of the area.

So far, 142 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) have been commissioned. In addition, In-Principle Approvals (IPAs) have been granted for the development of GCTs at 310 more locations. The 142 commissioned GCTs have an estimated freight handling capacity of 224 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The policy has mobilized private investment of approximately ₹10,000 crore through these GCTs. Freight handled at these GCTs during 2025-26 is 146 MT.

Some Stats:

1. 142 Operational Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals Reducing Logistics Costs and Strengthening Rail Freight Movement for Cement, Steel, Power and Agriculture Sectors

2. Warehousing, Cold Storage and Modern Rail-Linked Cargo Facilities Under GCT Policy Boost Opportunities for Farmers, Industries and Local Businesses

3. Existing Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals Provide 224 MTPA Freight Handling Capacity; ₹10,000 Crore Private Investment Mobilised Through GCTs

4. 310 More GCT Approved to Expand Rail Freight Infrastructure

UNCTAD:

The Review of Maritime Transport has been published annually since 1968. The flagship report provides an analysis of structural and cyclical changes affecting seaborne trade, ports and shipping, as well as an extensive collection of statistics.

Around 80% of the volume of international trade in goods is carried by sea, and the percentage is even higher for most developing countries.

Every issue provides data and insights on:

Seaborne trade
Emerging trends affecting maritime transport
Fleet ownership and registration
Shipbuilding and demolitions
Freight rates
Liner shipping connectivity
Port traffic
Legal and regulatory developments
A topical issue

Source Links:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2297455&reg=3&lang=1

https://unctad.org/topic/transport-and-trade-logistics/review-of-maritime-transport?utm

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2288380&reg=48&lang=2 https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2222805&reg=48&lang=2

How SJ Exim Services Can Help Manufacturers Navigating a ₹10,000 crore government subsidy and complex railway infrastructure policies requires a mix of regulatory, commercial, and legal expertise.

Here is how your firms can add massive value to container manufacturers and MSMEs:

1. Strategic Advisory & Government Liaison CMAS Subsidy Roadmap: Guide manufacturers through the application process for the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme (CMAS). Ensure all documentation aligns with performance-linked milestones to secure the capital or operational assistance.

EXIM & Logistics Optimisation: Help businesses leverage the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL) and local supply chains. Provide advisory on minimizing import dependence for raw materials (like high-grade Corten steel).
Scheme Aggregation: Assist MSMEs in combining CMAS benefits with other relevant incentives like the PLI Scheme for Steel, CGTMSE loans, or MSME-specific grants.

2. Infrastructure & Regulatory Approvals (SJ Exim Services) Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal (GCT) Licensing: Assist companies looking to build Greenfield or Brownfield units with direct rail connectivity. Help them apply for and secure In-Principle Approvals (IPAs) from Indian Railways under the GCT Policy.

Land & Environmental Compliances: Facilitate clear land acquisition, licensing, and environmental clearances required for setting up large-scale manufacturing plants and rail-linked cargo facilities.

3. Legal Risk Management & Contracting (SJ Exim Services) Joint Ventures & MoUs: Draft and review joint venture agreements between domestic manufacturers, international technology partners, or public entities like CONCOR and port authorities.

EPC & Infrastructure Contracts: Structuring sound Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts for setting up state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.
Compliance & Dispute Resolution: Safeguard manufacturers against regulatory hurdles, freight handling disputes, or contract enforcement challenges under the Gati Shakti and maritime ecosystem framework.

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

We offer Legal advice and litigation support in matters related to Indirect Tax-Customs, FTP, other Indirect Tax matters & Arbitration law, all sorts of Central licensing and related matters. Come and explore the new way of doing business with us!

We specialize in paralegal services, litigation support, tax and regulatory matters, delivering reliable, efficient, and result-oriented legal assistance.

Source: PIB Publications, UNCTAD

Disclaimer

Handy Download:

Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme

Connect with us for more-

@ Team S J EXIM SERVICES, New Delhi, IN

CP: Ms. Shubhra Jha, Founder

Tel: +91-11-4999 2707 I +91-9999005693

Web: www.sjexim.services

EMAIL: operations@sjexim.services I shubhra@sjexim.services

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjeximservices

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/90794255/admin/feed/posts/