India’s major ports have achieved a new milestone, handling 915.17 million tonnes (MT) of cargo in the financial year 2025–26, surpassing the target of 904 MT and marking a 7.06% year-on-year growth, according to data from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the performance highlights India’s robust maritime infrastructure and growing trade capacity, stating that the government’s efforts under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aim to make India a global maritime hub.
Port-Wise Performance Highlights
Deendayal Port Authority handled the highest volume at 160.11 MT.
Paradip Port Authority managed 156.45 MT, maintaining its position as a major eastern gateway.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) contributed 102.01 MT.
Other major contributors included Visakhapatnam, Mumbai, Chennai, New Mangalore, Kolkata Dock System, and Mormugao Port, which together handled a substantial portion of cargo throughput.
In terms of growth, Mormugao Port Authority led with a 15.91% increase, followed by Kolkata Dock System (14.28%) and JNPA (10.74%), reflecting improved operational efficiency and infrastructure expansion across the country.
Factors Driving Record Cargo Handling
Officials attributed the strong performance to:
Modernization and expansion of port infrastructure
Enhanced multimodal connectivity linking ports to rail, road, and inland waterways
Digitalization and smart port initiatives reducing turnaround times and improving operational efficiency
Increased handling of high-demand commodities, including coal, crude oil, fertilizers, petroleum products, and containers
Significance for India’s Trade and Economy
The milestone demonstrates India’s growing trade confidence and the ability of major ports to support industrial growth, export-import operations, and supply chain efficiency. Experts noted that consistent infrastructure upgrades and better logistics management have positioned India’s ports to handle even higher cargo volumes in the future, contributing to economic growth and global competitiveness.
Officials emphasized that continued investment in green port initiatives, automation, and digital monitoring systems will further enhance efficiency and sustainability in India’s maritime sector.
