India’s extensive coastline, totaling 7,517 kilometers, includes 13 major ports and over 200 minor ports. These major ports handle 95% of the country’s trade by volume and 70% by value, making them crucial to India’s economy and global trade presence. Key commodities processed at these ports include petroleum, coal, iron ore, textiles, and automobiles, reinforcing their geopolitical significance along vital maritime routes.
Major Ports Overview
The list of India’s major ports is divided into those on the western coast and the eastern coast:
Western Coast Ports
- Deendayal Port (Kandla): Located in Gujarat, it handles the highest cargo volume, specializing in bulk liquids and dry cargo.
- Mumbai Port: A historical maritime hub, facilitating a wide range of exports and imports.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT): India’s largest container port, strategically positioned to handle over half of the country’s container traffic.
- Mormugao Port: Located in Goa, specializing in exports of iron ore and more recently, seafood.
- New Mangalore Port: The only major port in Karnataka, known for its deep inner harbor.
- Cochin Port: Features the largest International Container Transshipment Terminal, enhancing cargo handling capabilities.
Eastern Coast Ports
- Chennai Port: The second-largest container port in India, vital for exports and part of the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.
- Visakhapatnam Port: One of the busiest ports, known for its export of seafood and iron ore.
- Paradip Port: A major deep-water port in Odisha, identified for record cargo throughput and significant trade.
- Kolkata Port (Syama Prasad Mookerjee): India’s oldest operational port, primarily handling bulk cargo and serving as a gateway for trade with Southeast Asia.
Recent Developments
In June 2024, the Indian government approved Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, marking the addition of a 13th major port. This port aims to enhance India’s maritime trade capabilities, with construction designed for accommodating large vessels such as Panamax and Capesize ships.
Impact and Challenges
The economic impact of India’s major ports is significant, facilitating the majority of the nation’s foreign trade and contributing to regional and global supply chains. However, they face challenges including inadequate infrastructure, poor connectivity, operational inefficiencies, and environmental compliance issues. The Sagarmala project aims to address some of these infrastructure deficiencies and promote sustainability.
Conclusion
India’s major ports serve as critical infrastructure for economic growth and international trade, playing a fundamental role in connecting various markets globally. Continuous improvements and private sector engagements, along with governmental oversight, seek to elevate the operational capabilities and environmental standards of these vital maritime gateways, ensuring they remain competitive on the global stage.
