MAJOR PORTS OF INDIA — LOCATION, FUNCTIONS AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

MAJOR PORTS OF INDIA — LOCATION, FUNCTIONS AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

1. Importance of Ports in India

• Ports are vital gateways connecting India with global markets and supporting foreign trade, coastal shipping, energy security, industry and logistics.
• India has a coastline of about 7,500 km and presently has 12 major ports, besides numerous non-major ports administered mainly by State Governments. (Ship Ministry)
• Major ports handle containers, crude oil, petroleum products, coal, iron ore, fertilizers and other bulk and general cargo.

2. Jawaharlal Nehru Port — Maharashtra

• Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is located at Nhava Sheva near Mumbai.
• It is India’s premier and largest container port, handling about 53.95% of container traffic at major ports in TEU terms during 2024–25. (Ship Ministry)
• Its proximity to Mumbai and strong rail-road connectivity make it a major gateway for containerised trade.

3. Mumbai Port — Maharashtra

• Mumbai is one of India’s oldest major natural harbours on the west coast.
• It handles petroleum products, chemicals, general cargo and coastal traffic.
• Together with JNPA, it serves the highly industrialised hinterland of Maharashtra and adjoining States.

4. Deendayal Port — Gujarat

• Deendayal Port, formerly Kandla Port, is situated on the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat.
• It was developed after Independence partly to compensate for the loss of Karachi Port following Partition and was declared a major port in 1955. (deendayalport.gov.in)
• It handles petroleum, chemicals, fertilizers, foodgrains, salt and other bulk cargo and serves a vast north-western hinterland.

5. Chennai and Kamarajar Ports — Tamil Nadu

• Chennai Port is an important artificial harbour on the Coromandel Coast and handles containers, automobiles and general cargo.
• Nearby Kamarajar Port at Ennore was developed as a modern deep-draft port, initially focusing strongly on coal and subsequently diversified cargo.
• Chennai ranked second among major ports in container traffic share during 2024–25. (Ship Ministry)

6. V.O. Chidambaranar Port — Tamil Nadu

• V.O. Chidambaranar Port, formerly Tuticorin Port, is situated at Thoothukudi in southern Tamil Nadu.
• Its strategic position near major international sea routes supports container, coal, fertilizer and other cargo movement.
• It is an important maritime gateway for southern Tamil Nadu.

7. Visakhapatnam Port — Andhra Pradesh

• Visakhapatnam Port is an important east-coast port with favourable natural harbour characteristics.
• It handles iron ore, coal, petroleum products, fertilizers, containers and other bulk commodities.
• Its hinterland extends into mineral-rich areas of central and eastern India.

8. Paradip Port — Odisha

• Paradip Port is located on the Odisha coast near the Mahanadi delta and is especially important for bulk cargo such as coal, iron ore and petroleum products.
• It handled 150.41 million tonnes in 2024–25, becoming the highest cargo-handling major port in India for that year. (Paradip Port)
• It supports mineral-based industries, thermal power and international bulk trade.

9. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port and Cochin Port

• Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, including the Haldia Dock Complex, is India’s major riverine port system on the Hooghly.
• It serves eastern and north-eastern India and parts of the landlocked neighbouring region.
• Cochin Port in Kerala is an important natural harbour on the Arabian Sea and handles containers, petroleum products and other cargo.
• Its location close to major international shipping routes enhances its strategic value.

10. Mormugao and Other Major Ports

• Mormugao Port in Goa has historically been important for iron-ore exports and bulk cargo.
• New Mangalore Port in Karnataka handles petroleum, coal, fertilizers and agricultural commodities.
• Indian ports collectively handled about 854.86 million tonnes of cargo during 2024–25, with overseas cargo forming the dominant share. (Ship Ministry)
• Modernisation under port-led development, mechanisation, improved connectivity and logistics integration is essential for reducing trade costs.
• Efficient ports strengthen exports, manufacturing, employment, coastal development and India’s position in global maritime trade.