Cabinet approves ₹10,000 crore container manufacturing scheme

Union Cabinet has approved the Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore through 2039-40. It will support new container plants and expansion of existing units, aiming to raise domestic production, reduce import dependence and strengthen maritime and logistics supply chains. Announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, the scheme aims to increase annual capacity around tenfold to 7.5 lakh twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Of the outlay, ₹8,891 crore is for Operational Expenditure Assistance for eligible containers made to global shipping standards and sold by eligible manufacturers. Interest Subvention Assistance has ₹859 crore for a subsidy of 3% per annum on eligible term loans to set up new facilities or expand existing capacity. Another ₹150 crore is for testing and certification, including common facilities for dynamic longitudinal impact testing.

Government estimates the scheme will generate 3,000 direct jobs and more than 50,000 indirect jobs. It is also expected to support ancillary industries making corner castings, specialised steel, wooden frames and paints.