Major Ports of India: List of 13 Major Ports, Locations & Details

Major Ports of India: India’s maritime infrastructure is a critical component of its trade and economy, thanks to its expansive 7,516-kilometer coastline. The nation’s 12 major ports are strategically positioned and well-equipped to manage diverse types of cargo efficiently. These ports serve as essential hubs in India’s logistics framework, supporting both local and global trade activities. Let’s delve into the specifics of each of these major ports, exploring their individual locations and key operational features for a deeper understanding of their significance in India’s maritime landscape.

India’s maritime sector is a significant component of the country’s infrastructure, boasting a total of 13 major ports, with 12 owned by the government and one privately owned. The extensive coastline spanning 7,516.6 km is home to an additional 205 non-major ports, further enhancing India’s maritime connectivity and trade capabilities. The distribution of the government-owned major ports sees six located along the western coastline and the remaining six situated on the eastern coastline.

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These major ports play a crucial role in facilitating waterborne transportation and international trade, serving as key hubs for import and export activities. Each port has its unique characteristics and strategic importance, contributing to India’s overall economic growth and global trade relations. Understanding the significance of each major port can provide insights into how they collectively support India’s maritime industry and strengthen its position in the global market.

Exploring the infrastructure, cargo handling capacities, and specialized services offer by each major port can offer a comprehensive view of India’s maritime landscape. From handling diverse types of cargo to implementing advance technologies for efficient operations, these ports are instrumental in driving economic development and ensuring seamless connectivity both domestically and internationally. By delving into the details of each major port, stakeholders can gain a deeper appreciation for the vital role they play in shaping India’s maritime future.

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List of 13 Major Ports

Major Ports on the Eastern Coast of India

The eastern coastal plains of India extend from the Eastern Ghats to the Bay of Bengal, covering Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. This area is segmented into the Coromandel Coast, the Andhra Coast, and the Utkal Coast. The primary ports situated in these eastern coastal plains include:

Kolkata Port

Situated in Kolkata, West Bengal, Kolkata Port, also recognized as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port, stands as India’s oldest port. Constructed by the British East India Company during the colonial period, it has played a crucial role in trade. Kolkata Port distinguishes itself from India’s other 12 major ports by being a riverine port that can accommodate ships up to 500 feet in length. The port consists of two dock systems: Haldia Dock on the western bank of the Hooghly River and Kolkata Dock on the eastern bank. It serves as one of India’s most bustling ports, primarily exporting steel, iron ore, coal, leather, and copper.

Paradip Port

Situated in the Jagatsinghpur district where the Bay of Bengal meets the Mahanadi River, Paradip Port is the sole major port in Odisha. It became operational post-independence, becoming the eighth major port in India in 1966. The port primarily deals with coal and iron ore.

Visakhapatnam Port

Visakhapatnam Port, also referred to as Vizag Port, is located in Andhra Pradesh, positioned between Chennai and Kolkata ports. Being one of India’s oldest natural ports. It is recognize as the country’s most secure and deepest inland port. Ranking as the second-largest in terms of cargo handling. The port comprises the inner harbor, outer harbor, and fishing harbor, with significant exports such as alumina, coal, iron ore, oil, and pellets.

Kamarajar Port

Kamarajar Port, previously called Ennore Port, is situated 24 km to the north of Chennai Port. It is the first corporatized port in India. With the Indian government owning 67% of it. The port deals with goods like petroleum products and iron ore. Chennai Port, formerly known as Madras Port, is the biggest port on the Bay of Bengal. The second largest container port in India. Established in 1881, it is the country’s third-oldest port and houses India’s inaugural container terminal. Which was construct in 1983.

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Tuticorin Port

Tuticorin Port, also referred to as V.O. Chidambaranar Port, is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district. It is Tamil Nadu’s second-largest port and India’s fourth-largest container terminal. This artificial harbor is predominantly utilized for trade activities with Sri Lanka and is poised to become the primary port of India following. The conclusion of the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project. The port is distinguish for its pearl fishing operations. Manages various commodities including coal, oil, sugar, salt, and petroleum products.

Port Blair

Port Blair, under the management of the Port Blair Trust, is located in the Andaman Sea and acts as the primary port for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is the sole important port in this area and is recognized as the thirteenth largest port in India.

Major Ports on the Western Coast of India

The western coastal plain of India extends from Gujarat in the north to Kerala in the south, traversing Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa. It is situated between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea and is segmented into four coasts: the Kutch and Kathiawar coasts, the Konkan coast, the Kanara coast, and the Malabar coast. Major ports on India’s western coast include:

Cochin Port

Cochin Port, referred to as Kochi Port as well, is positioned between Willingdon Island and Vallarpadam Island in Kochi Lake. It is home to the Vallarpadam Terminal. Which is India’s primary and biggest container transshipment facility. This port is among the largest in the nation and serves as a key hub for shipbuilding activities. Focusing mainly on the transportation of various goods such as coffee, tea, spices, salt, fertilizers, and other commodities.

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New Mangalore Port

Situated in Mangalore, Karnataka, the New Mangalore Port stands at the intersection of the Gurupura River and the Arabian Sea. This port holds the distinction of being the seventh-largest port in India and serves as the primary port in Karnataka. An interesting fact about this port is that it is renowned as the deepest inland port along India’s western coastline. New Mangalore Port plays a vital role in handling various commodities such as petroleum products, LPG, fertilizers, and iron ore, contributing significantly to regional trade and commerce. Its strategic location and efficient operations have positioned it as a key player in India’s maritime industry.

Mormugao Port

Mormugao Port, located at the mouth of the Zuari River in Goa, holds a special place as a major tourist attraction. Apart from its scenic beauty, the port serves as India’s primary hub for exporting iron ore and facilitates the transportation of various goods like cotton, manganese, and coconut. The port’s strategic location not only contributes to Goa’s economy but also plays a crucial role in connecting India to global trade networks. With its bustling activities and historical significance, Mormugao Port offers visitors a glimpse into India’s maritime heritage while showcasing the modern-day logistics and trade operations that drive the country’s commerce forward.

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Mumbai Port

Mumbai Port, also known as Bombay Port, is a significant natural harbor situated in Maharashtra, India. Serving as the country’s largest and oldest port, it plays a crucial role in managing approximately one-fifth of India’s total exports. The port encompasses Jawahar Dweep, an island equipped with four jetties dedicated to handling crude oil and petroleum products. Additionally, Mumbai Port includes three dock facilities: Prince’s Dock, Victoria Dock, and Indira Dock.

The historical significance of Mumbai Port dates back to its establishment during the British colonial era when it served as a vital hub for trade and commerce. Over the years, the port has undergone modernization efforts to enhance its infrastructure and operational efficiency. Today, Mumbai Port continues to be a key gateway for international trade, facilitating the movement of goods and commodities across borders.

The strategic location of Mumbai Port on the western coast of India further reinforces its importance in maritime activities. Its proximity to major shipping routes and industrial centers makes it a preferred choice for importers and exporters seeking efficient transportation solutions. The diverse range of cargo handled at Mumbai Port includes containerized goods, bulk commodities, liquid cargoes, and more.

In recent years, efforts have been made to streamline operations at Mumbai Port by implementing digital technologies and automation systems. These advancements aim to improve cargo handling processes, reduce turnaround times for vessels, and enhance overall port productivity. Despite facing challenges such as competition from neighboring ports and infrastructure constraints, Mumbai Port remains a cornerstone of India’s maritime trade ecosystem.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port

Nhava Sheva Port, also called Jawaharlal Nehru Port, is situated in the Raigad district (Navi Mumbai), Maharashtra. It is the biggest container-handling port in India, overseeing approximately 56% of the nation’s containers. Known for its bustling activity, the port manages a variety of goods including textiles, boneless meat, carpets, pharmaceuticals, machinery, chemicals, and vegetable oils. Additionally, the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, construct by Indian Railways, can be found at this location.

Kandla Port

Deendayal Port, formerly known as Kandla Port, is situated in the Kutch district of Gujarat, approximately 90 km from the Gulf of Kutch. It holds the title of being the largest port in India based on cargo volume and is recognize as one of the most bustling ports. Deendayal Port operates as a duty-free zone, specializing in the export of significant amounts of food grains and the import of oil. Additionally, the port manages the handling of machinery, petroleum products, salt, chemicals, and textiles.

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Conclusion

India’s major ports, located along the eastern and western coasts, are crucial hubs for trade and commerce in the country. These ports, such as Kolkata Port in the east and Kandla Port in the west, play a vital role in facilitating the transportation of goods, thereby making significant contributions to India’s economy.

Each port has its own distinct characteristics; for example, Kolkata Port holds historical significance dating back to colonial times. While Jawaharlal Nehru Port boasts modern container facilities that are at the forefront of technological advancements in maritime trade. Together, these ports not only highlight India’s strong maritime presence but also showcase its global connectivity.

The efficient operation of these ports is instrumental in propelling India’s economic growth and development by enabling smooth import and export activities and fostering international trade relations. Their strategic locations provide easy access to major shipping routes. Making them key players in enhancing India’s position as a prominent player in the global trade landscape.

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