Global trade continues to move largely by sea. Even as supply chains diversify, shipping remains the most efficient way to move large volumes of goods across borders. As trade expands, pressure shows up first at ports. Congestion, turnaround time and handling capacity become real constraints. This makes port expansion less a choice and more a necessity for countries that want to remain competitive in global commerce.

The Catalyst: A ₹25,000 Crore Maritime Fund

India is now preparing for this next phase. In the Union Budget for 2025–26, the government announced the creation of a Maritime Development Fund with an initial corpus of Rs 25,000 crore. The objective is to support long-term financing for ports and shipping, while crowding in private capital. Over time, this initiative is expected to help mobilise investments of up to Rs 1.5 lakh crore across the maritime ecosystem by the end of the decade.

For India’s port and terminal operators, this marks an important shift. Port expansion is not just about adding capacity on paper. It improves asset utilisation, reduces idle time and allows higher cargo volumes to be handled without proportionate increases in costs. Over time, this operating leverage can translate into stronger cash flows and better return ratios. In that sense, port-focused companies stand at the front end of the investment cycle.

That is why this article focuses on direct beneficiaries. The companies selected own or operate port-linked assets such as container terminals, CFS facilities, ICDs or liquid cargo terminals, where higher cargo throughput feeds directly into revenues. These businesses are positioned to benefit first as port capacity expands, making them the most relevant picks within this theme.

However, given recent financial volatility of Kesar Terminal and Infrastructure, it is not discussed in detail here. The focus remains on businesses where the link between port expansion and earnings visibility is more clearly established.

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) is engaged in the business of providing inland transportation of containers by rail. It also covers the management of ports, air cargo complexes and establishes cold chains.

The Leader: Why CONCOR is the First Choice

Container Corporation of India reported a strong operating quarter in Q2 FY26, supported by higher volumes and improved asset utilisation. The company recorded its highest-ever quarterly throughput at 1.4 million twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs), taking first-half volumes to 2.7 million TEUs, up 11% year on year (YoY). On a standalone basis total income for Q2 FY26 grew 1.4% to Rs 2,447.2 crore, while net profit grew 1.5% to Rs 376.7 crore, despite softer domestic demand early in the year.

Margins improved during the period, helped by higher volumes and better utilisation. Rail freight margins rose to 27.8%, while operating margins improved to 31.4%. Lower empty........

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