New Delhi: In a significant milestone for India’s maritime sector, the Major Ports under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways collectively handled 915.17 million tonnes of cargo during FY 2025–26, surpassing the annual target of 904 MT.
The robust cargo performance represents a year-on-year growth of 7.06%, highlighting improved efficiency, capacity expansion, and sustained momentum in port-led trade activities.
The record cargo handling underscores the impact of ongoing reforms and strategic investments by the Government of India to modernize port infrastructure, strengthen logistics ecosystems, and enhance India’s standing as a global maritime hub under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Also Read: Green Hydrogen Jetty Approved at Paradip Port With ₹797 Crore Investment Under National Mission
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “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 building world-class port infrastructure, improving efficiency, and enabling seamless logistics to support India’s growing economy. This achievement reinforces our resolve to position India as a global maritime powerhouse under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.”
The strong performance was driven by consistent growth across key ports. Deendayal Port Authority emerged as the top performer with 160.11 MT of cargo, followed by Paradip Port Authority at 156.45 MT, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) at 102.01 MT of cargo throughput.
Other major ports including Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Mumbai Port Authority, Chennai Port Authority, and New Mangalore Port Authority also contributed significantly to overall cargo volumes, reflecting balanced growth across India’s maritime network.
In terms of growth rates, Mormugao Port Authority recorded the highest increase at 15.91%, followed by Kolkata Dock System at 14.28%, and JNPA at 10.74%, indicating rising volumes and improved operational efficiencies.
Also Read: VOC Port Authority Signs Agreement with CEL; Deploys India’s First Anti-Drone Security System
Sustained Rise in Cargo Handling
The sustained rise in cargo handling has been supported by multiple factors, including capacity augmentation and modernization of port infrastructure, strengthened multimodal connectivity and hinterland linkages, and the adoption of digital and smart port initiatives.
Additionally, increased handling of key commodities such as coal, crude oil, containers, fertilizers, and POL has further boosted cargo throughput across major ports.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to implement a comprehensive maritime strategy centered on port-led development, logistics integration, and sustainability.
The strong performance in FY 2025–26 reflects growing trade confidence and the effectiveness of policy measures aimed at improving efficiency and maximizing capacity utilization.
With continued infrastructure investments and policy momentum, India’s Major Ports are well-positioned to achieve new milestones in cargo handling and play a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s economic growth and global trade leadership.
