Major Ports In India, Complete List of 12 Major Ports
There are 12 major ports in India under the jurisdiction of the Central Government. Discover the complete list of major ports in India, their roles, and significance Here.
Deeksha Dixit15 Oct, 2024
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Major Ports in India: India’s coastline stretches for more than 7,500 kilometers, making it an important player in global maritime trade. With a network of ports serving as key gateways, India's major ports connect the country to international markets and support domestic industries.
India currently has 12 major ports which are governed under the Major Port Trusts Act 1963 and 217 minor ports governed under the Indian Ports Act of 1908. These ports handle millions of tonnes of cargo each year as a core part of infrastructure. Read on for the list of 12 major ports in India for the UPSC Prelims and Mains exam.List of Major Ports in India
India is home to 12 major ports that are essential for its trade and economy. Managed by the Ministry of Shipping, these ports handle a significant portion of the country’s cargo, connecting it to global markets. Ownership of the major ports remains with the government, but public-private partnerships (PPPs) are allowed through concession agreements for specific projects and terminals. Currently, 89 of the 277 berths in major ports operate under the PPP model. Below is a list of the 12 major ports in India:| List of Major Ports in India | ||||
| Port Name | State | Coast | Established Year | Fact |
| Deendayal Port (Kandla) | Gujarat | Western Coast | 1952 | One of the largest ports in India was established to reduce the pressure at Mumbai port. |
| Mumbai Port | Maharashtra | Western Coast | 1873 | One of India’s oldest ports and has the country’s largest oil terminal. |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) | Maharashtra | Western Coast | 1989 | Largest container port in India, first to become 100% Landlord port |
| Mormugao Port | Goa | Western Coast | 1885 | One of the Natural harbours, remodelling in 1961 to handle iron-ore exports to Japan |
| New Mangalore Port | Karnataka | Western Coast | 1974 | Only Major Port of Karnataka |
| Cochin Port | Kerala | Western Coast | 1926 | Advantageous location close to the Suez-Colombo route |
| Chennai Port | Tamil Nadu | Eastern Coast | 1881 | One of the largest ports and oldest ports, also an artificial harbour |
| Kamarajar Port (Ennore) | Tamil Nadu | Eastern Coast | 1999 | First port in India which is a public company. |
| V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin) | Tamil Nadu | Eastern Coast | 1974 | Fourth-largest container terminal in India |
| Visakhapatnam Port | Andhra Pradesh | Eastern Coast | 1933 | Ancient Port city of India, land-locked harbour |
| Paradip Port | Odisha | Eastern Coast | 1966 | Has the deepest harbour especially suited to handling very large vessels |
| Kolkata Port | West Bengal | Eastern Coast | 1870 | Historically significant and is India’s oldest port, it was the main trading port during British rule. |
Ports in Western Coast in India
The western coast of India is home to six major ports , which significantly contribute to trade in petroleum, chemicals, iron ore, and general cargo. Here are major ports in India that are situated on the western coast:Deendayal Port (Kandla), Gujarat
Deendayal Port, located in the Gulf of Kutch, is one of the largest ports in India in terms of cargo handling. The port's hinterland includes states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, making it essential for connecting regional industries with international markets.Mumbai Port, Maharashtra
Mumbai Port is among the oldest ports in India and handles a large volume of cargo, including petroleum products, chemicals, and general cargo. The port's strategic location allows it to connect efficiently with trade routes from the Middle East, North America, and Europe.Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva), Maharashtra
Often referred to as the " largest port in India " in terms of container traffic, Nhava Sheva handles over 50% of India’s container cargo. It serves as a satellite port to reduce congestion at Mumbai Port, connecting India with global trade routes.Mormugao Port, Goa
Situated at the entrance of the Zuari estuary , it has been operational since the colonial era. Mormugao Port is a key player in the mining industry and is known for its iron ore exports. It also handles coal and general cargo, making it an important port on the western coast.New Mangalore Port, Karnataka
New Mangalore Port, located on the southwestern coast of India in Karnataka, is a significant natural harbor that plays a crucial role in the region's trade. It handles a diverse range of cargo, including petroleum products, iron ore, and fertilizers.Cochin Port, Kerala
Cochin Port, located in Kerala, is one of India's major natural harbors and a key hub for maritime trade on the southwestern coast. Its strategic location near the Suez-Colombo route enhances its importance in global trade.Ports in Eastern Coast in India
The eastern coast of India hosts the remaining six major ports in India that are critical for trade with countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Here is the list of major ports in India on the East Coast:Chennai Port
Chennai Port is one of the oldest on the eastern coast and also the 2nd largest port in India. Established in 1859, it handles various cargo, including containers, coal, and machinery. Despite shallow waters limiting access for large ships, it remains an important trade hub.Kamarajar Port (Ennore)
Kamarajar Port, also known as Ennore Port, is situated 25 km north of Chennai. It is known for handling bulk cargo such as coal and automobiles. It is one of the few ports developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.Tuticorin Port
V.O. Chidambaranar Port, located in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, primarily handles bulk cargo , including coal and fertilizers. It serves as a gateway for trade to Southeast Asia and is known for its deep-draft berths that can accommodate large vessels.Visakhapatnam Port
Visakhapatnam Port, located in Andhra Pradesh, features a land-locked harbor linked by a channel. Established in 1933, it handles diverse cargo, including iron ore and petroleum. Its strategic position enhances trade opportunities for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, supporting regional industries.Paradip Port
Paradip Port, situated in Odisha, is known for its deep-water harbor and efficient handling of bulk cargo. Established in 1966, it primarily exports iron ore and coal. It supports the steel and mining industries in Odisha and serves as an important link for energy imports.Kolkata Port
Kolkata Port is the only riverine port in India and handles cargo such as jute, tea, and coal. Located on the Hugli River, iIt primarily handles bulk cargo. Its hinterland extends to several northern states, facilitating significant trade connections.Minor Ports in India
In addition to the major ports, India also has a vast network of 217 minor ports that State Governments or State Maritime Boards manage. These ports support coastal shipping and cater to regional trade requirements. Major states/Union Territories with minor ports include:- Gujarat (48 minor ports)
- Maharashtra (48 minor ports)
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands (24 minor ports)
- Tamil Nadu (17 minor ports)
- Kerala (17 minor ports)
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Major Ports in India FAQs
How many major ports are there in India?
India has 12 major ports under the Major Port Trusts Act 1963 that handle the bulk of the country's maritime trade.
Which is the largest port in India?
Jawaharlal Nehru Port also known as the Nhava Sheva is the largest port in India in terms of container traffic.
What is the second-largest port in India?
Chennai Port is the second-largest port in India which handles around 40% of the country's containerized cargo.
What is the difference between major and minor ports in India?
Major ports are managed by the Central Government, while minor ports are managed by State Governments and cater to regional trade.
Which major port is the oldest in India?
Kolkata Port is the oldest operating major port in India and has a significant historical and economic impact on the region.
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