India’s Major Ports Report Significant Cargo Growth and Infrastructure Development

India’s major ports have seen a significant increase in cargo handling, with numbers rising from 581.34 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 819.23 million tonnes in the fiscal year 2023-24. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5 per cent, aligning with global standards. The breakdown of cargo handled during 2023-24 includes 33.80 per cent liquid bulk, 44.04 per cent dry bulk, and 22.16 per cent container cargo, as reported by Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.

Infrastructure development and capacity enhancement of major ports are ongoing processes that involve the construction of new berths and terminals, mechanization of existing facilities, capital dredging for deeper drafts, and improvements in road and rail connectivity. The government has approved the development of Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra as a mega container port to accommodate larger vessels and meet the demand for handling new generation mega-size container ships.

In efforts to boost connectivity between ports and production centers, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has identified 107 road and rail infrastructure gaps for major and non-major ports. These gaps are included in the Comprehensive Port Connectivity Plan (CPCP) prepared in September 2022. The projects aim to enhance connectivity and streamline logistics for export-oriented industries by improving berths, terminals, digital processes, and hinterland connectivity through rail and road.

The minister also presented data in the Rajya Sabha detailing the total cargo handled at major and non-major ports over the past four years. Total cargo handling across all ports has shown a steady increase from 1247.72 million tonnes in 2020-21 to 1540.23 million tonnes in 2023-24. Major ports handled 819.23 million tonnes of this cargo, while 721 million tonnes were processed through other ports. The government’s measures to improve logistics for export-focused industries include the expansion of berths and terminals, digitalization, and enhancing rail and road connectivity to hinterland areas.

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