India's Major Ports: Key Hubs for Trade and Economic Growth


As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India has experienced a significant increase in international trade. The nation is home to 13 major ports, 12 of which are government-owned, and one privately owned. These ports are crucial to India's economic growth, serving as gateways for imports and exports, and connecting the country to global markets.

With a coastline of 7,516.6 kilometers, India's peninsular location positions it as a key player in maritime trade. According to the Ministry of Shipping, 95% of India’s trade by volume is carried out through maritime transport, supported by these 13 major ports and an additional 187 minor and intermediate ports.

In this blog, we will explore some of India’s major import and export ports, examine their significance, and look into the largest and busiest ports in the country.

India's Major Ports and Their Economic Importance

India has one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the world, covering 7,500 kilometers of its coastline. Seaborne trade has always been a cornerstone of the Indian economy, and today, 70% of India's total commerce volume is facilitated through maritime routes. The 13 major ports, along with 205 smaller ones, serve as the backbone of this trade, strategically located along India’s vast coastlines.

India is actively working to modernize and expand its ports to meet the growing demands of international trade. However, challenges like congestion and limited capacity at major ports have prompted calls for more investment and infrastructure development.

Key Facts about Major Ports in India:

  • Largest Port in India: Mumbai Port (Maharashtra)
  • Newest Port: Vadhavan Port (Maharashtra)
  • Deepest Port: Visakhapatnam Port (with a natural depth greater than 16.5 meters)
  • Oldest Port: Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Trust (Kolkata)
  • Private Major Port: Mundra Port (Gujarat, owned by Adani Ports)
  • Busiest Port: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) (Maharashtra)

West Coast Ports of India

  1. Deendayal Port Trust (Kandla): Situated in Gujarat, Kandla is one of India's largest and busiest ports, handling large volumes of textile, chemical products, and other goods.

  2. Mumbai Port: This port is one of the largest ports in India and plays a crucial role in exports and imports, handling a wide range of cargo including textiles, chemicals, and machinery.

  3. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT): Also known as Nhava Sheva, JNPT is the largest container port in India, accounting for over 55% of the country's total container traffic.

  4. Mormugao Port: Located in Goa, this port specializes in the export of iron ore and other minerals.

  5. New Mangalore Port: Situated in Karnataka, New Mangalore Port handles key exports like iron ore and agricultural products.

  6. Kochi Port: Located in Kerala, Kochi is an important port for the export of spices, tea, and coffee.

East Coast Ports of India

  1. Chennai Port: The largest port on the Bay of Bengal, Chennai handles a variety of goods including rice, textiles, and leather.

  2. Ennore Port (Kamarajar Port): Known for handling coal, iron ore, and petroleum products, Ennore Port is India’s first corporatized port.

  3. Visakhapatnam Port: Located in Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam is one of India’s deepest and busiest ports, handling coal, alumina, and crude oil.

  4. Paradip Port: Situated in Odisha, Paradip is a major hub for exporting coal and iron ore.

  5. Kolkata Port (Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Trust): As one of the oldest ports in India, Kolkata handles goods like coal, jute, steel, and iron ore. It also has a unique positioning as a riverine port.

Largest and Busiest Ports in India

India's largest ports are vital for the nation’s export and import activities. Here’s a quick overview of the 13 largest ports:

  1. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Maharashtra): India’s largest container port, handling 7.14 million TEUs in 2023.
  2. Mumbai Port (Maharashtra): One of the busiest multipurpose ports in India.
  3. Mundra Port (Gujarat): India’s largest privately-owned port, known for handling coal and petroleum products.
  4. Chennai Port (Tamil Nadu): The largest port on the Bay of Bengal and a crucial hub for exports.
  5. Visakhapatnam Port (Andhra Pradesh): A key player in the export of coal and crude oil.
  6. Kolkata Port (West Bengal): The oldest operational port in India.
  7. Kandla Port (Gujarat): A leader in handling bulk cargo.
  8. New Mangalore Port (Karnataka): Known for exporting iron ore.
  9. Kochi Port (Kerala): Famous for exporting tea, coffee, and spices.
  10. Mormugao Port (Goa): A major iron ore export hub.
  11. Paradip Port (Odisha): Plays a crucial role in coal and iron ore exports.
  12. Ennore Port (Tamil Nadu): Specializes in handling industrial cargo.
  13. Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands): The only major port in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Mundra Port: A Private Success Story

Mundra Port, located in Gujarat, is India’s largest private port, operated by Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ). Known for its world-class infrastructure, Mundra handled over 4.49 million TEUs in 2023, making it India’s second-largest port by container traffic.

The port is well connected to India’s railway network, allowing for efficient inland transport of goods. It also houses the world’s largest coal import terminal, solidifying its role as a key player in global trade.

Conclusion

India’s sea ports serve as critical hubs for the nation’s import and export activities, connecting the country to global trade routes. The 13 major ports, along with numerous smaller ports, contribute significantly to India's economy by facilitating international commerce. With modernization efforts underway, these ports will continue to grow in importance as India strengthens its position in global trade.

For businesses looking to expand in international markets, understanding the major ports in India is essential. Whether you're interested in import/export data or seeking new market opportunities, Seair Exim Solutions can help you navigate the global trade landscape.

For more information on India's biggest ports and their role in international trade, or to access export import data, get in touch with our experts at Seair Exim Solutions today!

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