India’s maritime sector surges ahead as major ports cross 915 MT cargo mark with robust 7.06 per cent growth
New Delhi: In a significant achievement for India’s maritime sector, the Major Ports under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways have collectively handled 915.17 million tonnes (MT) of cargo during FY 2025–26, surpassing the annual target of 904 MT. This marks a year-on-year growth of 7.06 per cent, reaffirming the sector’s strong recovery, enhanced efficiency, and sustained growth trajectory. This milestone underscores the impact of transformative reforms and strategic investments undertaken by the Government of India to modernise port infrastructure, enhance logistics efficiency, and strengthen India’s position as a leading maritime nation under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. 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 Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri 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 performance reflects consistent growth across major ports, with Deendayal Port Authority emerging as the top performer at 160.11 MT, followed 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 registered strong performance, contributing significantly to the overall cargo throughput.
India’s maritime sector has made a significant stride forward as major ports under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways collectively handled 915.17 million tonnes (MT) of cargo during the fiscal year 2025–26, surpassing the annual target of 904 MT. This impressive achievement marks a year-on-year growth of 7.06 per cent, highlighting the sector’s strong recovery, enhanced efficiency, and sustained growth trajectory. The milestone underscores the impact of transformative reforms and strategic investments undertaken by the Government of India to modernise port infrastructure, enhance logistics efficiency, and strengthen India’s position as a leading maritime nation under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, stated that the record cargo handling of over 915 million tonnes by the 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, the Government is building world-class port infrastructure, improving efficiency, and enabling seamless logistics to support India’s growing economy. This achievement reinforces the resolve to position India as a global maritime powerhouse under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
The performance reflects consistent growth across major ports, with Deendayal Port Authority emerging as the top performer at 160.11 MT, followed 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 registered strong performance, contributing significantly to the overall cargo throughput.
In terms of growth rate, Mormugao Port Authority recorded the highest increase at 15.91 per cent, followed by Kolkata Dock System at 14.28 per cent and JNPA at 10.74 per cent. This growth reflects improved efficiency and rising cargo volumes, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Government’s efforts to modernise and optimise port operations.
The surge in cargo handling at major ports is a result of strategic investments in infrastructure, technological upgrades, and improved logistics management. The Government’s focus on enhancing port capacity, reducing handling time, and increasing automation has led to a more efficient and competitive maritime sector. This, in turn, has attracted more trade and investment, further boosting the sector’s growth.
The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aims to transform India into a leading maritime power by 2047. The Government’s initiatives, including the expansion of existing ports and the development of new ones, have been instrumental in achieving this vision. The recent surge in cargo handling highlights the progress made so far and sets the stage for continued growth in the years to come.
The success of India’s maritime sector is also a reflection of the country’s strategic importance in global trade routes. With its geographical advantage and growing economic potential, India is poised to play a pivotal role in the Indian Ocean region’s maritime economy. The strong performance of major ports is expected to enhance India’s position as a key player in global trade, contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.
In conclusion, the record cargo handling by India’s major ports during the fiscal year 2025–26 is a significant achievement that underscores the sector’s robust growth and recovery. The Government’s strategic investments and reforms have modernised port infrastructure, improved efficiency, and strengthened India’s maritime capabilities. This milestone reinforces the commitment to position India as a global maritime powerhouse under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, paving the way for sustained growth and economic prosperity.
