State-owned companies may have to award half their freight business to domestic shipping lines, Reuters reported.
The new rule could be voted in next month, according to a government source.
The state wants importers to sign five-year deals with owners. Companies including SCI, Great Eastern and Essar could benefit.
India paid $57bn to overseas shipowners in 2013-14. Even if these companies accounted for nearly 100% of the total shipping bill, Indian owners would gain close to $30bn - and probably substantially more.
