According to the Ministry of Shipping, 95% of India’s foreign trade is mainly via seaports. These ports play a crucial role in the International North-South Trade Corridor (INSTC), which connects the Indian Ocean to trade with the Eurasian trade corridors and the Arctic. The coastal regions of Maharashtra, Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and West Bengal are home to nine of the total thirteen major Indian seaports.
India has a sprawling coastline of over 7,500 kilometers with one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the world. As a result, trade by sea has always been of high importance to the Indian economy. Even today, seaborne trade constitutes 70% of India’s total trade volume. This trade occurs through 13 major and 205 minor ports spread along the Indian mainland and its oceanic territories.
India has a vast coastline of over 7500 km, which provides it with an extensive network of ports. These ports play a crucial role in facilitating international trade and commerce. Here are some key points about ports in India:
- Major ports: India has 13 major ports, located at Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Kandla, Chennai, V.O. Chidambaranar (formerly Tuticorin), Cochin, New Mangalore, Mormugao, Kolkata (including Haldia), Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Ennore, and Port Blair.
- Cargo handled: These ports handle a variety of cargo, including containers, crude oil, petroleum products, coal, iron ore, fertilizers, and chemicals.
- Container traffic: Container traffic accounts for a significant portion of the cargo handled at Indian ports, with JNPT being the largest container port in India and one of the top 30 in the world.
- Private sector involvement: The Indian government has encouraged private sector participation in the development of ports and related infrastructure, and several private ports have been established in recent years.
- Infrastructure development: The government has undertaken several initiatives to develop port infrastructure, such as the Sagarmala project, which aims to modernize existing ports and develop new ones, and the Bharatmala Pariyojana, which aims to improve road connectivity to ports.
- Challenges: Indian ports face various challenges, including infrastructure constraints, inefficient operations, and regulatory hurdles. The government is taking steps to address these challenges and improve the competitiveness of Indian ports.
What makes a port a major port?
Any port under the control of the Central Government through the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is known as a major port of India. This ministry was formerly known as the Ministry of Shipping until its name was changed in 2020.
India follows a federal structure where the different sectors are administered by the central and the state governments combined. The intermediate and minor ports are under the control of their respective state governments whereas the Government of India controls the major ports directly.
The capacity of a port is not a criterion for a port to be a major port. It is the controlling authority. The 13 major ports in India handle about 74 percent of India’s cargo while the remaining 205 ports pick up the rest. The major ports handled 719.38 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2021-22 which is about 7% increase from 2020-21 (672.68 MMT).
Trade – Exports/Imports in India
Exports play a significant role in India’s economy, contributing to its growth and development. India is the world’s 7th largest exporter of goods, with exports valued at approximately $313 billion in 2020-21. Here are some key points about India’s exports:
- Major exports: India’s major exports include petroleum products, gems and jewelry, pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, chemicals, and agriculture products.
- Top export destinations: India’s top export destinations are the United States, the United Arab Emirates, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
- Government initiatives: The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to boost exports, including the Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme, the Market Access Initiative, the Focus Market Scheme, and the Duty-Free Import Authorization Scheme.
- Challenges: India faces various challenges in increasing its exports, including infrastructure constraints, complex regulations, and low productivity.
- Future prospects: Despite challenges, India’s exports are expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with the government aiming to double exports to $1 trillion by 2025. The government has also announced several measures to boost exports, such as the Production-Linked Incentive Scheme, which aims to encourage domestic manufacturing and exports.
Also read, Top 10 Indian Shipping Companies
Top 14 Major Ports in India – List
1. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) is a major container port located in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region of Maharashtra, India. The Nhava Sheva port, also known as Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), is one of the busiest container ports in India with annual traffic of 5.05 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit).
It features in the World’s Top 30 seaports and has seen a steady rise in traffic in the past five years. It is responsible for 56% of India’s container traffic and will see almost double the capacity once the construction of its fourth terminal is completed. Also known as the King Port across the Arabian Sea, it was built back in 1989 and is situated in Navi Mumbai.
The main shipments exported from the port include machinery, chemicals, pharmaceutical products, textiles, carpets, plastics, and sports goods. .Here are some key points about JNPT
- History: JNPT was commissioned in 1989 as India’s first container port, with the aim of relieving congestion at the older ports in Mumbai. It was named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Location: JNPT is located on the east coast of Mumbai’s harbor, about 30 km from the city center. It is well-connected by road, rail, and air, and is located near the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor.
- Infrastructure: JNPT has several state-of-the-art container terminals and berths for handling various types of cargo. It has facilities for container handling, storage, and repair of vessels. It is also equipped with modern security and IT systems.
- Cargo handled: JNPT is one of the busiest ports in India, and handles a variety of cargo, including containers, automobiles, liquid cargo, and general cargo. It is the primary container gateway for the country, and handles a significant portion of India’s international trade.
- Efficiency: JNPT has been recognized as one of the most efficient ports in India, with high productivity and quick turnaround times for vessels. It has also been awarded various certifications for quality, environment, and safety management.
- Future plans: JNPT has several expansion and modernization plans in the pipeline, including the development of a fourth container terminal, a coastal berth, and a liquid cargo terminal. It is also exploring the possibility of setting up a logistics park and a transshipment hub.
2. Port of Mudra
The Port of Mundra is a major private port located on the west coast of India in the Gulf of Kutch, in the state of Gujarat. The second-busiest port in India is The Port of Mundra, with annual traffic of 4.4 million TEU.
It is ranked at the 32nd position in the World’s Top 50 seaports. With fast-rising traffic, Mundra Port almost doubled its traffic of 2.7 million TEU in 2014. Furthermore, it is India’s largest commercial port by size and acts as a significant gateway to the hinterland of northern India.
The Mundra Port is owned by the Adani Group and has four container terminals that boast a capacity of 7.5 million. Here are some key points about the Port of Mundra:
- Ownership: The port is owned and operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), a subsidiary of the Adani Group, which is one of India’s largest conglomerates.
- History: The port was commissioned in 1998 as a small-scale port, and has since grown to become India’s largest commercial port by cargo volume.
- Infrastructure: The port has several terminals for handling various types of cargo, including container, bulk, and liquid cargo. It is equipped with modern cranes and handling equipment, and has facilities for warehousing, storage, and logistics.
- Cargo handled: The Port of Mundra handles a variety of cargo, including containers, coal, crude oil, iron ore, and fertilizers. It is the largest container port in India, and handles a significant portion of the country’s international trade.
- Efficiency: The port is known for its efficiency and productivity, with quick turnaround times for vessels and high cargo handling rates. It has been recognized with various awards for its performance and environmental management.
- Expansion plans: The Port of Mundra is continuously expanding and modernizing its infrastructure to meet growing demand. It has several expansion plans in the pipeline, including the development of a new container terminal, a liquid cargo terminal, and a multi-modal logistics park.
3. Chennai Port
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu Port code: INMAA
Website: https://www.chennaiport.gov.in/
Cargo tonnage handled in the fiscal year 2022: 48.564 million metric tonnes
Chennai Port, also known as Chennai Container Terminal, is a major port located on the east coast of India in the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Port of Chennai is the third-biggest port in India and has annual traffic of 1.5 million TEU.
The port is one of the oldest in India, which started official port operations in 1881. Although the port was in danger of losing importance, its 2018 performance saw an increase of almost 3.5% on the previous year. It has the honor of being the location for India’s first dedicated container terminal, which opened in 1983.
It is an artificial and all-weather port with wet docks. Its second container terminal opened in 2009 and is entirely run by PSA International. Here are some key points about Chennai Port:
- History: Chennai Port was established in 1881, and has since played a significant role in the trade and commerce of South India. It was initially a riverine port, but has since been expanded and modernized to cater to growing demand.
- Location: Chennai Port is located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, and is well-connected by road, rail, and air. It is situated near the Chennai International Airport and the Chennai Central railway station.
- Infrastructure: Chennai Port has several terminals for handling various types of cargo, including containers, bulk, and liquid cargo. It is equipped with modern handling equipment and facilities for warehousing, storage, and logistics.
- Cargo handled: Chennai Port handles a variety of cargo, including containers, automobiles, coal, iron ore, and petroleum products. It is the second-largest container port in India, and handles a significant portion of South India’s international trade.
- Efficiency: Chennai Port is known for its efficiency and productivity, with quick turnaround times for vessels and high cargo handling rates. It has been recognized with various awards for its performance and environmental management.
- Future plans: Chennai Port has several expansion and modernization plans in the pipeline, including the development of a new container terminal, a liquid cargo terminal, and a multi-modal logistics park. It is also exploring the possibility of setting up a transshipment hub to further enhance its connectivity with other ports in the region.
4. Kolkata Port
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal Port Code: INCCU
Website: www.kolkataporttrust.gov.in
Cargo tonnage handled in the fiscal year 2022: 14.94 million metric tonnes
Kolkata Port, also known as Kolkata Dock System, is a major riverine port in India located on the Hooghly River, approximately 203 km inland from the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the oldest ports in India, with a history dating back to the 18th century, when the British East India Company established a trading post in the area.
The port has two distinct dock systems: Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Haldia Dock Complex (HDC). Kolkata Dock System is located in Kolkata, and it handles general cargo, containers, and dry bulk cargo. Haldia Dock Complex is located in Haldia, approximately 125 km downstream from Kolkata, and it primarily handles liquid cargo, including crude oil and petroleum products.
Kolkata Port is a major contributor to the economy of West Bengal and Eastern India, and it serves as a gateway to Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern states of India. The port is operated by Kolkata Port Trust, which is a statutory body under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India.
Here are some additional details about Kolkata Port:
- History: Kolkata Port has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century when the British East India Company first established a trading post in the area. The port was initially located in the village of Sutanuti, but it was later shifted to its current location in Kolkata. Over the years, the port has undergone several upgrades and expansions to meet the growing demands of trade and commerce.
- Infrastructure: The port has a total of 12 berths, including 9 berths at Kolkata Dock System and 3 berths at Haldia Dock Complex. The port has modern cargo-handling equipment, including cranes, conveyor systems, and forklifts, to ensure efficient handling of cargo. The port also has a well-connected road and rail network, which facilitates the movement of cargo to and from the port.
- Cargo handling: Kolkata Port handles a variety of cargoes, including general cargo, containers, dry bulk cargo, and liquid cargo. The port is particularly well-known for its jute exports, as Kolkata is the largest jute producing center in the world. The port also handles other commodities like iron ore, coal, steel, petroleum products, and chemicals.
- Connectivity: Kolkata Port is well-connected to major ports in India and abroad through regular shipping services. The port has a dedicated shipping line connecting it to the ports of Chittagong and Mongla in Bangladesh. The port also has a direct rail link to Nepal, which makes it a preferred gateway for trade with Nepal and other landlocked countries in the region.
- Future plans: Kolkata Port is currently undergoing a major modernization and expansion program to enhance its capacity and efficiency. The port is investing in new cargo-handling equipment, dredging, and infrastructure upgrades to cater to the growing demands of trade and commerce. The port is also exploring the possibility of developing a container terminal at Haldia Dock Complex to further boost its container handling capacity.
5. V.O. Chidambaranar Port
V.O. Chidambaranar Port, formerly known as Tuticorin Port, is a major seaport located in the city of Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) in Tamil Nadu, India. The port is named after V.O. Chidambaranar, a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement and a former Tamil Nadu state minister.
Here are some key facts about V.O. Chidambaranar Port:
- History: V.O. Chidambaranar Port was established in 1974 as a satellite port to the Chennai Port. Over the years, the port has undergone several upgrades and expansions to become one of the major ports in India. In 2019, the port was renamed after V.O. Chidambaranar to honor his contributions to the Indian independence movement.
- Infrastructure: The port has 15 berths, including 3 container terminals, 2 multipurpose terminals, and a liquid cargo terminal. The port has modern cargo-handling equipment, including cranes, conveyor systems, and forklifts, to ensure efficient handling of cargo. The port also has a well-connected road and rail network, which facilitates the movement of cargo to and from the port.
- Cargo handling: V.O. Chidambaranar Port handles a variety of cargoes, including containers, coal, iron ore, copper concentrate, rock phosphate, and petroleum products. The port is one of the major gateways for trade between India and Sri Lanka, and it also serves as a transshipment hub for cargo moving to and from other ports in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
- Connectivity: V.O. Chidambaranar Port is well-connected to major ports in India and abroad through regular shipping services. The port has direct shipping services to various ports in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The port also has a direct rail link to Chennai, which facilitates the movement of cargo to and from the port.
- Future plans: V.O. Chidambaranar Port is planning to expand its capacity by adding new berths and upgrading its existing infrastructure. The port is also exploring the possibility of developing a satellite port at Kanyakumari, which would further boost its capacity and connectivity. Additionally, the port is looking to develop a transshipment hub at Enayam, which would provide a new alternative to the congested ports of Colombo and Singapore.
6. Kandla Port
Kandla Port is a major seaport located in the Kandla-Kutch region of Gujarat, India. It is one of the largest ports in India in terms of cargo handling capacity and is operated by the Kandla Port Trust (KPT), a statutory body under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India.
Here are some key facts about Kandla Port:
- History: Kandla Port was established in the 1950s as a small fishing harbor. Over the years, the port has undergone several expansions and upgrades to become one of the major ports in India. Today, Kandla Port is a hub for trade and commerce, handling a wide range of cargoes, including crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, salt, iron ore, and coal.
- Infrastructure: Kandla Port has 24 berths, including 10 bulk cargo berths, 2 container berths, and 2 liquid cargo berths. The port has modern cargo-handling equipment, including cranes, conveyor systems, and forklifts, to ensure efficient handling of cargo. The port also has a well-connected road and rail network, which facilitates the movement of cargo to and from the port.
- Cargo handling: Kandla Port handles a variety of cargoes, including bulk cargo, containers, and liquid cargo. The port is particularly well-known for its salt exports, as Kandla is one of the largest salt producing regions in India. The port also handles other commodities like petroleum products, chemicals, iron ore, and coal.
- Connectivity: Kandla Port is well-connected to major ports in India and abroad through regular shipping services. The port has direct shipping services to various ports in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The port is also connected to major inland markets through a network of highways and railways.
- Future plans: Kandla Port is planning to expand its capacity by adding new berths and upgrading its existing infrastructure. The port is also exploring the possibility of developing a new container terminal to further boost its container handling capacity. Additionally, the port is looking to develop a new shipbuilding and repair facility to support the growing maritime industry in India.
7. Mumbai Port
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra Port Code: INBOM
Website: http://www.mumbaiport.gov.in/
Cargo tonnage handled in the fiscal year 2022: 59.891 million metric tonnes
Mumbai Port, also known as the Port of Mumbai, is the largest port in India in terms of passenger traffic and one of the busiest ports in the country in terms of cargo handling. It is situated in the city of Mumbai, Maharashtra, and is administered by the Mumbai Port Trust, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India.
Here are some key facts about Mumbai Port:
- History: Mumbai Port has a long and illustrious history, dating back to the British colonial era. The port was established in the 19th century as a trading hub for the British East India Company. Over the years, it has undergone several expansions and upgrades to become one of the largest and most important ports in India.
- Infrastructure: Mumbai Port has a total of 63 berths, including 45 for cargo and 18 for passenger traffic. The port has modern cargo-handling equipment, including cranes, conveyor systems, and forklifts, to ensure efficient handling of cargo. The port also has a well-connected road and rail network, which facilitates the movement of cargo to and from the port.
- Cargo handling: Mumbai Port handles a wide range of cargoes, including bulk cargo, containers, and liquid cargo. The port is particularly well-known for its container handling capacity, and it has a dedicated container terminal that is capable of handling over 2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year. The port also handles other commodities like petroleum products, chemicals, iron ore, and coal.
- Connectivity: Mumbai Port is well-connected to major ports in India and abroad through regular shipping services. The port has direct shipping services to various ports in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The port is also connected to major inland markets through a network of highways and railways.
- Future plans: Mumbai Port is planning to expand its capacity by adding new berths and upgrading its existing infrastructure. The port is also exploring the possibility of developing a new offshore container terminal to further boost its container handling capacity. Additionally, the port is looking to develop a new shipbuilding and repair facility to support the growing maritime industry in India.
8. Vishakapatnam Port
Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Port code: INVIZ
Website: http://www.vizagport.com/
Cargo tonnage handled in the fiscal year 2022: 69.03 million metric tonnes
Visakhapatnam Port, also known as Vizag Port, is one of the major ports in India located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is administered by the Visakhapatnam Port Trust, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. Here are some key facts about Visakhapatnam Port:
- History: Visakhapatnam Port was built in 1933 by the British colonial government to serve the needs of the northern coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh. It has since undergone several expansions and modernizations to become one of the busiest and most important ports in India.
- Infrastructure: Visakhapatnam Port has a total of 24 berths, including 10 for dry cargo, 5 for liquid cargo, and 9 for container cargo. The port has modern cargo-handling equipment, including cranes, conveyor systems, and forklifts, to ensure efficient handling of cargo. The port also has a well-connected road and rail network, which facilitates the movement of cargo to and from the port.
- Cargo handling: Visakhapatnam Port handles a wide range of cargoes, including iron ore, coal, fertilizers, crude oil, and container cargo. The port is particularly well-known for its iron ore and coal handling capacity, and it has dedicated terminals for these commodities. The port also handles other commodities like petroleum products, chemicals, and food grains.
- Connectivity: Visakhapatnam Port is well-connected to major ports in India and abroad through regular shipping services. The port has direct shipping services to various ports in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The port is also connected to major inland markets through a network of highways and railways.
- Future plans: Visakhapatnam Port is planning to expand its capacity by adding new berths and upgrading its existing infrastructure. The port is also exploring the possibility of developing a new outer harbor to further boost its capacity. Additionally, the port is looking to develop a new shipbuilding and repair facility to support the growing maritime industry in India.
9. Cochin Port
Location: Cochin, Kerala Port Code: INCOK
Website: https://cochinport.gov.in/
Cargo tonnage handled in the fiscal year 2022: 34.118 million metric tonnes
Cochin Port is one of the major ports in India located in the city of Kochi (formerly known as Cochin) in the state of Kerala. It is administered by the Cochin Port Trust, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. Here are some key facts about Cochin Port:
- History: Cochin Port has a long and illustrious history, dating back to the 14th century when it served as a trading hub for spices and other commodities. Over the years, the port has undergone several expansions and upgrades to become one of the busiest and most important ports in India.
- Infrastructure: Cochin Port has a total of 16 berths, including 11 for cargo and 5 for passenger traffic. The port has modern cargo-handling equipment, including cranes, conveyor systems, and forklifts, to ensure efficient handling of cargo. The port also has a well-connected road and rail network, which facilitates the movement of cargo to and from the port.
- Cargo handling: Cochin Port handles a wide range of cargoes, including container cargo, liquid cargo, dry bulk cargo, and project cargo. The port is particularly well-known for its container handling capacity, and it has a dedicated container terminal that is capable of handling over 1 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year. The port also handles other commodities like petroleum products, chemicals, and food grains.
- Connectivity: Cochin Port is well-connected to major ports in India and abroad through regular shipping services. The port has direct shipping services to various ports in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The port is also connected to major inland markets through a network of highways and railways.
- Future plans: Cochin Port is planning to expand its capacity by adding new berths and upgrading its existing infrastructure. The port is also exploring the possibility of developing a new outer harbor to further boost its capacity. Additionally, the port is looking to develop a new shipbuilding and repair facility to support the growing maritime industry in India.
10. Port Blair Port
Port Blair Port is one of the major ports in India located in the city of Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is administered by the Port Management Board, an autonomous body under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration. Here are some key facts about Port Blair Port:
- History: Port Blair Port has a relatively short history compared to other major ports in India. It was built in the 1950s to serve the needs of the local population and the Indian Navy. Over the years, the port has undergone several upgrades and expansions to become a major hub for shipping in the region.
- Infrastructure: Port Blair Port has a total of 7 berths, including 4 for cargo and 3 for passenger traffic. The port has modern cargo-handling equipment, including cranes, conveyor systems, and forklifts, to ensure efficient handling of cargo. The port also has a well-connected road network, which facilitates the movement of cargo to and from the port.
- Cargo handling: Port Blair Port handles a wide range of cargoes, including container cargo, dry bulk cargo, and project cargo. The port is particularly well-known for its handling of timber and other forest products, which are major exports from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The port also handles other commodities like petroleum products, chemicals, and food grains.
- Connectivity: Port Blair Port is connected to major ports on the Indian mainland through regular shipping services. The port has direct shipping services to various ports in South India, including Chennai, Vizag, and Kolkata. The port is also connected to other ports in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through a network of smaller ports and jetties.
- Future plans: Port Blair Port is planning to expand its capacity by adding new berths and upgrading its existing infrastructure. The port is also exploring the possibility of developing a new outer harbor to further boost its capacity. Additionally, the port is looking to develop a new shipbuilding and repair facility to support the growing maritime industry in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
11. Paradip Port
Paradip Port is one of the major ports in India located in the town of Paradip in the state of Odisha. It is administered by the Paradip Port Trust, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. Here are some key facts about Paradip Port:
- History: Paradip Port was built in the 1960s to serve the needs of the local population and the growing industrial sector in the region. Over the years, the port has undergone several expansions and upgrades to become one of the largest and busiest ports in India.
- Infrastructure: Paradip Port has a total of 23 berths, including 18 for cargo and 5 for passenger traffic. The port has modern cargo-handling equipment, including cranes, conveyor systems, and forklifts, to ensure efficient handling of cargo. The port also has a well-connected road and rail network, which facilitates the movement of cargo to and from the port.
- Cargo handling: Paradip Port handles a wide range of cargoes, including dry bulk cargo, liquid cargo, and container cargo. The port is particularly well-known for its handling of iron ore, coal, and other minerals, which are major exports from the region. The port also handles other commodities like petroleum products, chemicals, and food grains.
- Connectivity: Paradip Port is well-connected to major ports in India and abroad through regular shipping services. The port has direct shipping services to various ports in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The port is also connected to major inland markets through a network of highways and railways.
- Future plans: Paradip Port is planning to expand its capacity by adding new berths and upgrading its existing infrastructure. The port is also exploring the possibility of developing a new outer harbor to further boost its capacity. Additionally, the port is looking to develop new facilities for handling container cargo and petroleum products to cater to the growing demand in the region.
12. New Mangalore port
Location: Panambur, Mangalore Port code: INNML
Website: https://www.newmangaloreport.gov.in/
Cargo tonnage handled in the fiscal year 2022: 39.296 million metric tonnes
New Mangalore Port is one of the major ports in India located in the city of Mangalore in the state of Karnataka. It is administered by the New Mangalore Port Trust, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. Here are some key facts about New Mangalore Port:
- History: New Mangalore Port was built in the 1970s to serve the needs of the local population and the growing industrial sector in the region. Over the years, the port has undergone several expansions and upgrades to become one of the major ports in India.
- Infrastructure: New Mangalore Port has a total of 15 berths, including 10 for cargo and 5 for passenger traffic. The port has modern cargo-handling equipment, including cranes, conveyor systems, and forklifts, to ensure efficient handling of cargo. The port also has a well-connected road and rail network, which facilitates the movement of cargo to and from the port.
- Cargo handling: New Mangalore Port handles a wide range of cargoes, including dry bulk cargo, liquid cargo, and container cargo. The port is particularly well-known for its handling of crude oil, petroleum products, and fertilizers, which are major imports for the region. The port also handles other commodities like coal, timber, and food grains.
- Connectivity: New Mangalore Port is well-connected to major ports in India and abroad through regular shipping services. The port has direct shipping services to various ports in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The port is also connected to major inland markets through a network of highways and railways.
- Future plans: New Mangalore Port is planning to expand its capacity by adding new berths and upgrading its existing infrastructure. The port is also exploring the possibility of developing a new outer harbor to further boost its capacity. Additionally, the port is looking to develop new facilities for handling container cargo and improve the connectivity to the hinterland regions to cater to the growing demand in the region.
13. Mormugao port
Location: Vasco da Gama, Goa
Port Code: INMRM
Website: https://www.mptgoa.gov.in/
Cargo tonnage handled in the fiscal year 2022: 18.466 million metric tonnes
Mormugao Port is a major seaport located in the state of Goa, India. It is administered by the Mormugao Port Trust, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India. Here are some key facts about Mormugao Port:
- History: Mormugao Port was established in 1885 by the Portuguese colonial government to serve the shipping needs of the state. It was taken over by the Indian government after Goa’s liberation in 1961.
- Infrastructure: Mormugao Port has a total of 25 berths, including 11 for handling coal and iron ore, and 14 for handling other types of cargo. The port has modern cargo-handling equipment, including cranes, conveyor systems, and forklifts, to ensure efficient handling of cargo.
- Cargo handling: Mormugao Port is one of the major ports in India for handling iron ore and coal. The port has a dedicated terminal for handling coal and three dedicated berths for handling iron ore. The port also handles other types of cargo, including petroleum products, chemicals, and container cargo.
- Connectivity: Mormugao Port is well-connected to major ports in India and abroad through regular shipping services. The port has direct shipping services to various ports in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The port is also connected to major inland markets through a network of highways and railways.
- Future plans: Mormugao Port is planning to expand its capacity by adding new berths and upgrading its existing infrastructure. The port is also exploring the possibility of developing a new outer harbor to further boost its capacity. Additionally, the port is looking to develop new facilities for handling container cargo and improve the connectivity to the hinterland regions to cater to the growing demand in the region.
History of Ports in India
The history of ports in India dates back to ancient times, as India was a maritime nation with a rich trading tradition. Here are some key points about the history of ports in India.
- Ancient ports: India had several ancient ports, including Lothal and Dholavira in the Indus Valley Civilization, and Muziris and Arikamedu in the south. These ports were important trading centers for goods such as spices, textiles, and precious stones.
- Medieval ports: During the medieval period, Indian ports were a hub for trade with the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The ports of Surat, Cambay, and Calicut were among the most important in this period.
- Colonial era: The Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British established their trading posts and ports in India during the colonial era. The British developed major ports such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, and used them as centers for exporting raw materials such as cotton, jute, and tea.
- Post-independence: After India gained independence in 1947, the government set up the Major Port Trusts Act in 1963, which established the framework for the management and development of major ports. The government has since developed several new ports, such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) near Mumbai and Ennore near Chennai.
- Modern era: In recent years, the government has launched initiatives to modernize and expand the port infrastructure in India, such as the Sagarmala project, which aims to develop the country’s port-led industries and coastal communities. The government also plans to set up several new ports along the eastern and western coasts of India to cater to growing demand.
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