India's Principal Ports Achieve Record Cargo Handling of 915.17 Million Tonnes in FY26
Synopsis
India's major ports have set a new benchmark by handling an impressive 915.17 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2025-26, surpassing their annual target. This significant growth underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the maritime sector and improving logistics efficiency.
Key Takeaways
915.17 million tonnes of cargo handled in FY 2025-26.
Year-on-year growth of 7.06% .
Top performer: Deendayal Port Authority with 160.11 MT .
Government's strategic investments enhancing maritime infrastructure.
Focus on digital initiatives and improved logistics.
New Delhi, April 5 (NationPress) In a remarkable milestone for India’s maritime industry, the nation's principal ports have successfully managed a total of 915.17 million tonnes (MT) of cargo throughout FY 2025-26, exceeding the annual goal of 904 MT. This announcement was made by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in celebration of National Maritime Day.
This achievement signifies a year-on-year growth of 7.06 percent, highlighting the sector's robust recovery and continuous growth path, fueled by transformative initiatives and strategic investments made by the Government of India. These efforts aim to modernize port infrastructure, improve logistics efficiency, and solidify India’s status as a leading maritime nation, as stated in the official release.
The results illustrate steady progress across major ports, with Deendayal Port Authority leading the charge at 160.11 MT, followed closely by Paradip Port Authority at 156.45 MT, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) at 102.01 MT. Other key ports, including Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Mumbai Port Authority, Chennai Port Authority, and New Mangalore Port Authority, also demonstrated strong performance, making significant contributions to the overall cargo throughput.
In terms of growth rates, Mormugao Port Authority achieved the highest increase at 15.91 percent, followed by Kolkata Dock System at 14.28 percent and JNPA at 10.74 percent, indicating enhanced efficiency and rising cargo volumes.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal remarked, “The record cargo handling of over 915 million tonnes by our major ports is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening India’s maritime sector. Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are constructing world-class port infrastructure, enhancing efficiency, and facilitating seamless logistics to bolster India’s expanding economy.”
The ongoing growth in cargo handling has been propelled by capacity enhancements and modernization of port infrastructure, strengthened multimodal connectivity, and seamless hinterland linkages, along with the adoption of digital and smart port initiatives. A notable increase in handling key commodities such as coal, crude oil, containers, fertilizers, and POL has also been observed, coupled with improved turnaround times and enhanced ease of doing business at ports.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to pursue a comprehensive maritime strategy focused on port-led development, logistics integration, and sustainability.
With continuous policy momentum and infrastructure investments, India’s major ports are strategically positioned to reach new heights and play a crucial role in the nation’s economic growth and global trade leadership, the statement concluded.
Point of View
This remarkable achievement by India's maritime sector underscores the importance of strategic investments and reforms. The record cargo handling not only boosts economic growth but also positions India as a key player in global trade. It reflects a concerted effort to modernize infrastructure, enhance efficiency, and meet rising logistical demands.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total cargo handled by India's major ports in FY 2025-26?
India's major ports handled a total of 915.17 million tonnes (MT) of cargo in FY 2025-26.
Which port emerged as the top performer?
The Deendayal Port Authority was the top performer, handling 160.11 MT of cargo.
What was the year-on-year growth percentage?
The year-on-year growth in cargo handling was 7.06 percent.
How has the government contributed to this growth?
The government has invested in modernizing port infrastructure and enhancing logistics efficiency, contributing to the significant growth.
What are some key commodities handled at the ports?
Key commodities include coal, crude oil, containers, fertilizers, and POL.
