Incorporating Infrastructure Resilience into Port-led Development in India

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Incorporating Infrastructure Resilience into Port-led Development in India

This project evaluates climate risks—extreme weather, rising sea levels, and shifting environmental conditions—threatening India’s ports, essential to the nation’s Blue Economy transition.

These disruptions jeopardize port operations, trade, and economic stability. By assessing vulnerabilities, the study highlights the need for adaptive strategies to protect infrastructure, ensuring long-term resilience.

Strengthening risk-informed planning safeguards critical maritime hubs, securing their role in sustainable economic growth amid escalating climate challenges.

Trade’s share of
India’s total economic
value
0 %
India’s merchandise
trade (by volume)
moves via sea
0 %
Projected sea-level rise by 2100
threatening Indian coastal cities
0 cm

Impact and Key Findings

1

This project created a climate risk assessment integrating data analysis, field research, and expert insights to identify vulnerabilities in India’s key ports. By evaluating environmental risks, it supports adaptive strategies for safeguarding maritime infrastructure against climate-induced disruptions

2

Tailored risk profiles for the Mumbai and Paradip Port Authorities provide in-depth insights into their distinct and overlapping climate vulnerabilities. These assessments support adaptive strategies, strengthening resilience against extreme weather, rising sea levels, and environmental disruptions. 

3

By analyzing Mumbai and Paradip ports, the study underscores the critical need for adaptive strategies and national policies to safeguard port infrastructure. Strengthening resilience ensures uninterrupted maritime trade, reducing climate risks and securing long-term economic stability. 

 

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.