How did cargo handled by India’s major ports surge to a record 855 million tonnes in FY25?

New Delhi, May 13 (NationPress) India’s leading ports have achieved remarkable growth in cargo handling, reaching an unprecedented 855 million tonnes in FY 2024-25. This marks a significant 4.3 per cent increase from the 819 million tonnes recorded in FY 2023-24, as reported by the government on Tuesday.

The rise in traffic was fueled by an increase in container throughput (10 per cent), fertiliser cargo handling (13 per cent), POL (petroleum, oil, and lubricants) (3 per cent), and handling of various other commodities (31 per cent) compared to the previous fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Ports and Shipping.

In terms of commodities, POL topped the list with a volume of 254.5 million tonnes (29.8 per cent), followed by container traffic at 193.5 million tonnes (22.6 per cent), coal at 186.6 million tonnes (21.8 per cent), among other categories such as iron ore, pellets, and fertilisers in FY 2024-25.

For the first time, both the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) exceeded the 150-million-tonne cargo handling milestone, reinforcing their roles as pivotal hubs of maritime trade and excellence. Meanwhile, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) achieved a record by handling 7.3 million TEUs, reflecting a growth of 13.5 per cent year-on-year.

Indian ports have collectively allocated 962 acres for port-led industrialisation, projected to generate an income of Rs 7,565 crore in FY 2024-25. Additionally, future investments of Rs 68,780 crore are expected on the allotted land, indicating strong investor confidence in port-led development.

Private sector involvement has been crucial in this transformation, with investments in PPP projects at major ports increasing threefold, from Rs 1,329 crore in FY 2022-23 to Rs 3,986 crore in FY 2024-25, underscoring robust investor confidence.

Operational performance improved in FY 2024-25, with the Pre-Berthing Detention (PBD) Time (on port account) enhancing by approximately 36 per cent compared to FY 2023-24. Financially, major ports saw an 8 per cent increase in total income in FY 2024-25, rising to Rs 24,203 crore from Rs 22,468 crore in FY 2023-24. Similarly, operating surplus grew by 7 per cent to Rs 12,314 crore in FY 2024-25 from Rs 11,512 crore in FY 2023-24.

Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, stated, 'The ministry has tirelessly worked to modernize port infrastructure, enhance operational efficiency, and encourage private sector participation, paving the way for unparalleled growth in India’s maritime sector.'

'From record-setting cargo handling to notable enhancements in operational parameters and financial performance, the successes of FY 2024-25 demonstrate the resilience and preparedness of our ports to support India's expanding trade ambitions,' he added.

Between FY 2014-15 and FY 2024-25, cargo volumes surged from 581 million tonnes to approximately 855 million tonnes, reflecting a strong Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4 per cent.

The financial performance of major ports has also been impressive, with total income more than doubling over the last decade from Rs 11,760 crore in FY 2014-15 to Rs 24,203 crore in FY 2024-25, achieving a 7.5 per cent CAGR over ten years.