There are 13 major ports in India. These 13 major ports in India are managed by the Government of India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. These ports play a crucial role in India’s international trade and maritime activities.
Table of Contents
List of 13 Major Ports in India
On the West Coast i.e. Arabian Sea
1. Mumbai Port (Maharashtra) – One of the oldest and busiest ports.
Established: 1873
Significance: One of India’s oldest and busiest ports, Mumbai Port handles general cargo, liquid bulk, and petroleum products.
Special Features: Equipped with extensive dock systems and deep-water berths, it supports a wide range of industries, including textiles, chemicals, and automobiles.
2. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva, Maharashtra) – India’s largest container port.
Established: 1989
Significance: India’s largest container port, handling more than 50% of the country’s total container traffic.
Special Features: Features advanced container handling facilities, making it a major gateway for international trade.
3. Marmagao Port (Goa) – Famous for iron ore exports.
Established: 1885
Significance: Known for handling iron ore exports, primarily from Goa’s rich mines.
Special Features: Well-equipped with modern cargo handling equipment and facilities to support ore, coal, and petroleum shipments.
4. Mangalore (New Mangalore Port, Karnataka) – Handles petroleum, fertilizers, and iron ore.
Established: 1974
Significance: Plays a key role in exporting iron ore, petroleum products, and edible oils.
Special Features: Deep-water port with berths dedicated to handling liquid cargo and containerized goods.
5. Cochin Port (Kerala) – A natural harbor and key for trade.
Established: 1928
Significance: One of India’s most strategically located ports, used for international trade and naval operations.
Special Features: Houses the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam, boosting its status as a maritime hub.
6. Kandla Port (Deendayal Port, Gujarat) – Largest port by cargo volume.
Established: 1950
Significance: India’s largest port by cargo volume, specializing in crude oil, petroleum products, and fertilizers.
Special Features: Strategically located near the Gulf of Kutch, providing easy access to global shipping routes.
On the East Coast i.e. Bay of Bengal
7. Kolkata Port (West Bengal) – India’s oldest operating port.
Established: 1870
Significance: The oldest operational port in India, known for handling bulk cargo, coal, and jute.
Special Features: A riverine port on the Hooghly River, requiring constant dredging to maintain navigability.
8. Haldia Port (West Bengal) – Serves as a satellite port to Kolkata.
Established: 1967
Significance: Serves as a key auxiliary port to Kolkata, handling petroleum, chemicals, and coal.
Special Features: Well-equipped with modern cargo handling facilities and industrial hinterland connectivity.
9. Paradip Port (Odisha) – Handles coal and iron exports.
Established: 1965
Significance: A major port for handling coal and iron ore exports, supporting India’s steel and power industries.
Special Features: Features deep-draft berths capable of accommodating large cargo vessels.
10. Visakhapatnam Port (Andhra Pradesh) – One of the deepest and busiest ports.
Established: 1933
Significance: One of India’s deepest natural harbors, crucial for bulk cargo, coal, and iron ore exports.
Special Features: Home to a major shipbuilding yard and strategic naval base.
11. Chennai Port (Tamil Nadu) – India’s second-largest container port.
Established: 1881
Significance: India’s second-largest container port, crucial for automobile and general cargo shipments.
Special Features: Offers efficient logistics support with a well-connected rail and road network.
12. Ennore Port (Kamarajar Port, Tamil Nadu) – A corporate port handling various cargos.
Established: 2001
Significance: India’s first corporate port, handling coal, automobiles, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Special Features: Operates as a landlord port model, allowing private sector participation.
13. Tuticorin Port (V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tamil Nadu) – Major port for trade with Sri Lanka.
Established: 1974
Significance: A major hub for trade with Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Special Features: Known for its efficiency in handling thermal coal, salt, and containerized cargo.
Significance of Major Ports in India
- Economic Backbone: Handle over 90% of India’s trade by volume.
- Employment Generation: Directly and indirectly support millions of jobs.
- Infrastructure Development: Continual modernization improves trade efficiency.
- Global Trade Hub: Strengthens India’s position in international shipping.
Conclusion
The 13 major ports of India play a critical role in shaping the country’s maritime trade and economy. With ongoing modernization and infrastructure development, these ports continue to strengthen India’s global trade network. Future expansions, smart port initiatives, and better connectivity will further enhance their efficiency and global competitiveness.
Checkout: Largest Landlocked Harbor in the World
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