Budget 2026 Expectations Live Updates: Income tax relief, customs changes, exports push in focus for FM Sitharaman’s ninth Budget

Dhruv Gadh, Partner- Transport, Logistics and Infrastructure PwC India lists the top expectations for maritime sector:

This budget presents an opportunity to transform the maritime sector by focusing on three key areas:

1. Capital allocation for Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision
Align investments to support the long-term Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision by scaling up the Sagarmala Programme. Develop trunk infrastructure in ports, establishing alternate fuel hubs, and promoting port-led industries to attract private participation. Additionally, prioritise next-generation initiatives such as greening, smart port technologies, and broader coastal community development.

2. Advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat
Drive self-reliance through an outcome-oriented programme for container manufacturing, supported by incentives linked to large-scale capacity creation. Establish an indigenous container shipping line to strengthen India’s global trade competitiveness.

3. Trade facilitation and digitisation
Implement measures to enable EXIM growth and enhance digitisation, including improvements in port processes and expansion of the Maritime Single Window for seamless documentation and compliance.