India’s vast coastline is dotted with over 13 major ports and hundreds of minor ports facilitating trade and maritime activities.
These ports, spread across the 7,500 kilometers long coastline of India, are critical components of the nation’s trade and economic infrastructure.
They serve as gateways to the world, facilitating exports and imports and contributing significantly to India’s growth and development.
In addition, these major ports have played a pivotal role in shaping India’s history, economy, and international relations.
In this article, we will succinctly explore the 13 major ports of India, their locations, historical significance, export-import items, interesting facts, and figures, shedding light on their vital role in the country’s growth and global integration.
Deendayal Port (Kandla)
Location: Kandla, Gujarat
History: Kandla Port, located in the Gulf of Kutch, was the first special economic zone (SEZ) in India. It was commissioned in 1950 to decongest the ports of Karachi (now in Pakistan) after partition.
Significance: Kandla Port is one of India’s major ports on the western coast and serves as a vital trade gateway for the northwestern regions of India, particularly for handling dry cargo and crude oil.
Export-Import Items: Major exports from Kandla Port include grains, salt, and textiles. It imports petroleum, chemicals, and machinery.
Important Facts and Figures: In 2020-21, Kandla Port handled over 110 million metric tonnes of cargo, making it one of the busiest and most important ports in India. [Source: Kandla Port Trust]
Mumbai Port
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
History: Mumbai Port, formerly known as Bombay Port, is one of the oldest ports of Modern India. Its history dates back to the 17th century when the British East India Company used it as a trading post. It was officially established as a port in 1873.
Significance: Mumbai Port is the largest and busiest port in India. It serves as the primary gateway for trade between India and the rest of the world. It handles various types of cargo, including petroleum products, automobiles, and general goods.
Export-Import Items: Major exports from Mumbai Port include textiles, gems, jewelry, and engineering goods. On the other hand, it imports petroleum, chemicals, and machinery.
Important Facts and Figures: In 2020, Mumbai Port handled approximately 43 million metric tonnes of cargo, making it a crucial player in India’s maritime trade. [Source: Ministry of Shipping, Government of India]
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)
Location: Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
History: JNPT, often referred to as Nhava Sheva, was developed to alleviate the congestion at Mumbai Port. It was commissioned in 1989 and is named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Significance: JNPT is the largest container port in India and plays a key role in promoting containerized cargo trade. Its state-of-the-art facilities have made it one of the most efficient ports in the country.
Export-Import Items: JNPT handles a wide range of exports, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. It imports machinery, electronics, and plastics.
Important Facts and Figures: In the fiscal year 2020-21, JNPT handled over 4.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of container cargo, cementing its position as a major transshipment hub in South Asia. In 2021, Mundra Port (owned by Adani) became the largest container port in India, and now the port has berthed, at one of its terminals, the largest container vessel to call India. [Source: JNPT Annual Report 2020-21]
Vadhavan Port
Location: Vadhavan, Maharashtra
History: Vadhavan Port is a new major port that is currently under development. It is located near Dahanu in Maharashtra and is planned to be one of the largest and most modern ports in India.
Significance: Vadhavan Port is being developed to address the growing demand for cargo handling and to decongest existing ports in the region. Once operational, it is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing maritime trade and connectivity in western India.
Export-Import Items: As the port is still under development, specific export-import items are yet to be determined. However, it is anticipated to handle a wide range of commodities, including containerized cargo, bulk cargo, and liquid cargo.
Important Facts and Figures: The construction of Vadhavan Port is a significant infrastructure project, and its development is expected to significantly contribute to India’s maritime trade and economic growth.
New Mangalore Port
Location: Mangalore, Karnataka
History: New Mangalore Port was officially commissioned in 1974 and was developed to handle containerized cargo and petroleum products.
Significance: New Mangalore Port is a major port on the west coast of India and plays a vital role in the export of coffee, cashew, and petroleum products. It also handles imports of various commodities and crude oil.
Export-Import Items: Major exports from New Mangalore Port include coffee, cashew, and iron ore. It imports petroleum, chemicals, and fertilizers.
Important Facts and Figures: In the fiscal year 2020-21, New Mangalore Port handled approximately 39 million metric tonnes of cargo, contributing significantly to the maritime trade of Karnataka. [Source: New Mangalore Port Trust]
Mormugao Port
Location: Mormugao, Goa
History: Mormugao Port, established in the early 1880s, has a history that traces back to the Portuguese colonial era. It was taken over by the Indian government after Goa’s liberation in 1961.
Significance: Mormugao Port is a significant iron ore exporting port in India, serving the mineral-rich regions of Goa and Karnataka. It also handles other commodities and containerized cargo.
Export-Import Items: Major exports from Mormugao Port include iron ore, manganese ore, and steel products. It imports coal, petroleum, and general cargo.
Important Facts and Figures: In the fiscal year 2020-21, Mormugao Port handled around 11 million metric tonnes of cargo, contributing significantly to India’s mineral exports. [Source: Mormugao Port Trust]
Kochi Port
Location: Kochi, Kerala
History: Kochi Port has a long history, dating back to the 14th century, as a center of trade with various foreign powers. It was formally established as a modern port in 1928.
Significance: Kochi Port is strategically located on the Arabian Sea and serves as a significant trade gateway for the southwestern states of India. It is well-known for handling container cargo, spices, and petroleum products.
Export-Import Items: Major exports from Kochi Port include seafood, spices, and chemical products. It imports petroleum, machinery, and fertilizers.
Important Facts and Figures: In 2020-21, Kochi Port handled over 20 million metric tonnes of cargo, highlighting its role as an essential port in the southwestern region of India. [Source: Cochin Port Trust]
Kamarajar Port (Ennore)
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
History: Ennore Port, officially known as Kamarajar Port Limited, was commissioned in 2001 to serve as an additional port to handle coal and other bulk cargo.
Significance: Ennore Port is one of the youngest major ports in India and is strategically located on the eastern coast. It specializes in handling coal, thermal power plants’ requirements, and other bulk cargo.
Export-Import Items: Major exports from Ennore Port include coal and iron ore. It imports thermal coal, limestone, and project cargo.
Important Facts and Figures: In the fiscal year 2020-21, Ennore Port handled over 11 million metric tonnes of cargo, reinforcing its importance as a significant trade port on the eastern coast. [Source: Kamarajar Port Limited]
VO Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin)
Location: Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
History: V.O. Chidambaranar Port, formerly known as Tuticorin Port, has a history that traces back to the British era when it was a minor port. It was modernized and developed in the post-independence period.
Significance: Tuticorin Port is one of the major ports on the southeastern coast of India and serves as a gateway for trade with South East Asian countries. It is well-equipped to handle diverse types of cargo.
Export-Import Items: Major exports from Tuticorin Port include salt, spices, and granite. It imports coal, copper concentrate, and edible oil.
Important Facts and Figures: In 2020-21, Tuticorin Port handled over 34 million metric tonnes of cargo, making it one of the key trade hubs in the southern region of India. [Source: V.O. Chidambaranar Port Trust]
Chennai Port
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
History: Chennai Port has a long history dating back to the British era. It was officially established in 1881 and has since played a vital role in the trade and economic development of South India.
Significance: Chennai Port is strategically located on the southeastern coast of India and serves as a major gateway for trade with Southeast Asian countries. It is also an important center for automobile exports.
Export-Import Items: Major exports from Chennai Port include textiles, leather products, and machinery. It imports coal, petroleum, and chemicals.
Important Facts and Figures: In 2020-21, Chennai Port handled around 50 million metric tonnes of cargo, maintaining its significance as a significant trade port in India. [Source: Chennai Port Trust]
Visakhapatnam Port
Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
History: Visakhapatnam Port, also known as Vizag Port, was commissioned in 1933. It was built to handle the export of manganese ore from the nearby mines.
Significance: Visakhapatnam Port is one of the largest and deepest ports on the eastern coast of India and a significant player in the export of minerals and ores. It also handles containerized cargo and serves as a hub for petroleum products in the region.
Export-Import Items: Major exports from Visakhapatnam Port include iron ore, steel products, and pharmaceuticals. It imports fertilizers, coal, and machinery.
Important Facts and Figures: In the fiscal year 2020-21, Visakhapatnam Port handled approximately 72 million metric tonnes of cargo, making it a critical trade link for the southeastern region of India. [Source: Visakhapatnam Port Trust]
Paradip Port
Location: Paradip, Odisha
History: Paradip Port was commissioned in 1966 and has since been a vital port on the eastern coast of India. It was developed to handle large vessels and bulk cargo, particularly iron ore.
Significance: Paradip Port is one of the major ports on the east coast and plays a significant role in the export of minerals and ores. It has witnessed considerable growth in handling various types of cargo.
Export-Import Items: Major exports from Paradip Port include iron ore, coal, and fertilizers. It imports crude oil, petroleum products, and machinery.
Important Facts and Figures: In the fiscal year 2020-21, Paradip Port handled approximately 133 million metric tonnes of cargo, solidifying its position as one of the key ports in India. [Source: Paradip Port Trust]
Kolkata Port
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
History: Kolkata Port, also known as Calcutta Port, has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It was established by the British East India Company and played a crucial role during colonial times.
Significance: Kolkata Port is the oldest operating port in India and is the primary trade gateway for the eastern and northeastern states. It has been instrumental in promoting trade and commerce in the region.
Export-Import Items: Kolkata Port handles various commodities such as jute, tea, coal, and iron ore. It imports machinery, petroleum products, and fertilizers.
Important Facts and Figures: In 2020-21, Kolkata Port handled around 41 million metric tonnes of cargo, reinforcing its importance as a vital trade hub in the eastern region of India. [Source: Kolkata Port Trust]
Conclusion
India’s major ports have played a crucial role in shaping the country’s history, economy, and international relations.
They continue to be the backbone of India’s foreign trade and provide vital infrastructure for imports and exports.
These ports, with their strategic locations and state-of-the-art facilities, are essential in facilitating India’s integration into the global economy.
As India continues to witness rapid economic growth and international trade, its major ports are set to play an even more significant role in the nation’s development and prosperity.
