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2 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
EconomyNEWS

₹10,000 Crore Scheme to Boost Container Availability, Reduce Import Dependence

Government allocates ₹10,000 crore to address container shortage and reduce import dependency.

₹10,000 Crore Scheme to Boost Container Availability, Reduce Import Dependence

Photo by PortCalls Asia

The government has allocated ₹10,000 crore for a scheme aimed at addressing the shortage of containers and reducing dependency on imports. This initiative seeks to enhance the availability of containers for domestic trade and exports. By increasing the supply of containers, the government hopes to reduce logistics costs and improve the competitiveness of Indian businesses.

The scheme is expected to boost domestic manufacturing of containers and create employment opportunities. The specific details of the scheme's implementation and timeline are not provided in the article.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 3 (Economy): Infrastructure, Investment Models

2.

GS Paper 2 (International Relations): Impact on global trade

3.

Potential for questions on government schemes and their objectives

Visual Insights

Key Statistics: Container Availability Scheme

Highlights the financial outlay of the scheme aimed at boosting container availability and reducing import dependence.

Scheme Outlay
₹10,000 Crore

Significant investment to enhance domestic container manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports, impacting trade balance and economic growth.

More Information

Background

The availability of containers is crucial for international trade. The shipping container, in its modern form, emerged in the mid-20th century, revolutionizing cargo transport. Before standardized containers, goods were often transported in various shapes and sizes, leading to inefficiencies in loading, unloading, and storage. The International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), established in 1972, aimed to ensure safety standards for containers used in international transport. The growth of containerization has been closely linked to the expansion of global trade. The use of containers has significantly reduced the time and cost associated with moving goods across borders. This has facilitated the development of global supply chains and increased the volume of international trade. The World Trade Organization (WTO) plays a key role in setting the rules for international trade, including those related to container transport. Several factors influence the availability of containers, including manufacturing capacity, trade imbalances, and logistical bottlenecks. Trade imbalances, where one country exports significantly more than it imports, can lead to a shortage of containers in some regions and a surplus in others. The Container Security Initiative (CSI), launched by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, aims to enhance security measures for containers entering the United States.

Latest Developments

Recent disruptions in global supply chains have highlighted the importance of container availability. The COVID-19 pandemic led to port congestion and delays, exacerbating the shortage of containers. This has resulted in increased shipping costs and disruptions to international trade. Governments around the world are taking steps to address these challenges, including investing in port infrastructure and promoting domestic container manufacturing. The Indian government has been focusing on improving its logistics infrastructure to support trade. Initiatives such as the Sagarmala project and the Bharatmala project aim to enhance port connectivity and road infrastructure, respectively. These projects are expected to reduce logistics costs and improve the efficiency of container transport. The government is also promoting the use of technology to track and manage containers, such as the e-way bill system. Looking ahead, the demand for containers is expected to continue to grow, driven by the expansion of global trade and e-commerce. This will require sustained investment in container manufacturing and logistics infrastructure. The government's ₹10,000 crore scheme is a step in this direction, but further efforts will be needed to ensure that India has sufficient container capacity to meet its growing trade needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary goal of the ₹10,000 crore scheme?

The primary goal is to address the shortage of containers and reduce India's dependence on container imports, thereby boosting domestic trade and exports.

2. How might this scheme impact logistics costs for Indian businesses?

By increasing the availability of containers, the scheme is expected to reduce logistics costs, making Indian businesses more competitive in international trade.

3. What is the significance of container availability for international trade?

Container availability is crucial for facilitating the smooth and efficient movement of goods in international trade, reducing delays and costs associated with shipping.

4. How could this scheme potentially affect employment opportunities in India?

The scheme is expected to boost domestic manufacturing of containers, which could lead to the creation of new employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

5. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of reducing import dependence in the container sector?

Reducing import dependence can strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions. However, it may also lead to higher initial costs if domestic production is less efficient than imports.

6. What is the allocated amount for the container scheme? (For Prelims)

The government has allocated ₹10,000 crore for the scheme to boost container availability.

Exam Tip

Remember the amount - ₹10,000 crore. Could be a direct question in Prelims.

7. What recent global events have highlighted the importance of container availability?

Recent disruptions in global supply chains, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the critical importance of container availability due to port congestion and delays.

8. How does the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) relate to this scheme?

The International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) ensures the safety of containers used in international transport. While the scheme focuses on increasing container availability, adherence to CSC standards is crucial for safe and reliable container operations.

9. What are the government's initiatives to improve container availability?

The government is investing ₹10,000 crore in a scheme to boost container availability and reduce import dependence. This is one of the key initiatives.

10. What are the potential long-term impacts of this scheme on the Indian economy?

In the long term, this scheme could strengthen India's manufacturing sector, reduce logistics costs, improve trade competitiveness, and create employment opportunities, leading to overall economic growth.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the government's recent scheme: 1. The scheme aims to reduce import dependence by boosting domestic container manufacturing. 2. The allocated outlay for the scheme is ₹10,000 crore. 3. The scheme primarily focuses on improving port infrastructure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The scheme aims to reduce import dependence by boosting domestic container manufacturing. This is explicitly stated in the news summary. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The allocated outlay for the scheme is ₹10,000 crore, as mentioned in the summary. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: While the scheme aims to improve logistics and trade, its primary focus is on increasing container availability, not specifically port infrastructure. The Sagarmala project focuses on port infrastructure.

2. Which of the following initiatives is/are aimed at improving logistics infrastructure in India? 1. Sagarmala Project 2. Bharatmala Project 3. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Sagarmala Project aims to enhance port connectivity. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Bharatmala Project aims to improve road infrastructure. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is a financial inclusion scheme, not related to logistics infrastructure.

3. In the context of international trade, what is the primary purpose of the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC)?

  • A.To standardize container dimensions for efficient stacking
  • B.To ensure safety standards for containers used in international transport
  • C.To regulate tariffs on container shipping
  • D.To promote the use of eco-friendly containers
Show Answer

Answer: B

The International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), established in 1972, aims to ensure safety standards for containers used in international transport. This includes structural integrity and safety features to protect cargo and personnel.

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