Top 10 major ports in India
India has a long coastline of over 7,500 kilometers, making it a major player in global trade. Around 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value happens through the sea. Ports play a huge role in this, helping businesses import and export goods. They also create jobs, support industries, and help the country’s economy grow.
In this blog, we will look at the top 10 ports in India, their importance, what goods they handle, and how they contribute to India’s economic growth. These ports are key to making India a strong global trading nation.
The Role of Ports in India’s Economic Growth
Ports are very important for international trade, industry, and transport. As India grows, these ports help goods move quickly and smoothly across the world. The Sagarmala Project and Maritime India Vision 2030 are two big government programs to make ports more modern and efficient. By improving port facilities and technology, India is becoming more connected to the world. Now, let’s explore the top 10 ports in India and their contribution to the economy.
1. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) – Maharashtra
India’s Largest Container Port
Located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP), also called Nhava Sheva, is India’s busiest container port. It started in 1989 and now handles more than 40% of India’s container cargo.
Key Features:
- Annual Capacity: Over 5 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units)
- Major Exports: Cars, medicines, clothes
- Major Imports: Electronics, machines, chemicals
- Connectivity: Good road and rail links
Future Plans:
The port plans to increase its capacity to 10 million TEUs to handle bigger ships and more cargo.
2. Mundra Port – Gujarat
India’s Largest Private Port
Mundra Port, in Kutch, Gujarat, is India’s biggest private port, managed by Adani Group. It has helped make shipping and trade easier with modern facilities.
Key Features:
- Annual Capacity: Over 150 million metric tons
- Major Exports: Coal, oil, fertilizers
- Major Imports: Crude oil, chemicals
- Special Features: India’s largest coal terminal
Future Plans:
Mundra aims to be carbon-neutral and expand its facilities for liquid cargo and green energy.
3. Kandla Port (Deendayal Port) – Gujarat
A Leader in Bulk Cargo Handling
Located in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat, Kandla Port (now Deendayal Port) is one of India’s oldest and most successful government-run ports.
Key Features:
- Annual Capacity: Over 120 million metric tons
- Major Exports: Salt, textiles, grains
- Major Imports: Petroleum, chemicals, fertilizers
- Strategic Location: Close to Middle Eastern trade routes
Future Plans:
The port will be modernized to handle more cargo and improve efficiency.
4. Chennai Port – Tamil Nadu
India’s Second-Largest Container Port
Chennai Port has been active since 1881 and is an important center for trade in South India, connecting to Southeast Asia and China.
Key Features:
- Annual Capacity: Over 60 million metric tons
- Major Exports: Cars, iron ore, granite
- Major Imports: Petroleum, raw materials
- Infrastructure: Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Expressway for better transport
Future Plans:
Plans are in place to expand container terminals and handle larger ships.
5. Visakhapatnam Port – Andhra Pradesh
The Largest Port on India’s East Coast
Visakhapatnam Port (Vizag Port) is a major trade gateway to Southeast Asia.
Key Features:
- Annual Capacity: Over 70 million metric tons
- Major Exports: Iron ore, coal, minerals
- Major Imports: Crude oil, fertilizers
- Special Feature: Deep-water port for big ships
Future Plans:
There are plans to expand LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) handling and modernize terminals.
6. Kolkata Port – West Bengal
India’s Oldest Operating Port
Also known as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata Port is the only river port in India and supports trade in Eastern and Northeastern India.
Key Features:
- Annual Capacity: Over 60 million metric tons
- Major Exports: Tea, jute, iron ore
- Major Imports: Petroleum, chemicals
- Unique Feature: Haldia Dock Complex for better cargo handling
Future Plans:
Upgrades include deepening river channels and improving automation.
7. Cochin Port – Kerala
A Gateway to the Arabian Sea
Cochin Port is located along the Malabar Coast and helps India trade with the Middle East and Europe.
Key Features:
- Annual Capacity: Over 30 million metric tons
- Major Exports: Spices, seafood, coffee
- Major Imports: Crude oil, fertilizers
- Infrastructure: Vallarpadam International Container Terminal (ICTT)
Future Plans:
Cochin Port is focusing on cruise tourism and trans-shipment expansion.
8. Paradip Port – Odisha
A Major Industrial Port
Paradip Port handles bulk cargo like coal and iron ore, serving industries in Eastern India.
Key Features:
- Annual Capacity: Over 100 million metric tons
- Major Exports: Iron ore, coal, steel
- Major Imports: Crude oil, fertilizers
- Strategic Importance: Major hub for mineral exports
Future Plans:
Expansion to handle LNG and containerized cargo.
9. Tuticorin Port (V.O. Chidambaranar Port) – Tamil Nadu
A Key Port for Southern India
Tuticorin Port plays a major role in trade with Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Key Features:
- Annual Capacity: Over 36 million metric tons
- Major Exports: Salt, textiles, seafood
- Major Imports: Petroleum, fertilizers
- Infrastructure: Special Economic Zone (SEZ) nearby
Future Plans:
Focus on coastal shipping and container handling.
10. Mormugao Port – Goa
A Hub for Iron Ore Exports
Mormugao Port is known for handling iron ore exports from Goa.
Key Features:
- Annual Capacity: Over 20 million metric tons
- Major Exports: Iron ore, steel
- Major Imports: Coal, petroleum
- Tourism: Cruise ship terminal
Future Plans:
Plans for port modernization and environmental sustainability.
India’s Booming Maritime Industry: A Sea of Opportunities
India is stepping into a golden era of growth in the maritime sector. With strong government support and rising global trade, the country is investing heavily in port development and shipping. Big projects like the Sagarmala Programme and Maritime India Vision 2030 aim to modernize ports, boost coastal shipping, and improve connectivity. Over ₹1 trillion (around USD 12 billion) is being invested to make India a global maritime leader.
Doubling Trade by 2030
By 2030, India’s trade volume is expected to double, and ports will handle over 2,500 million metric tons of cargo every year. This means more ships, more goods, and more jobs! In fact, the maritime sector is expected to create over 20 lakh new jobs in areas like:
- Major Ports operations & management
- Marine engineering
- Logistics & supply chain
- Shipping and customs services
- Export-import businesses
Exciting Career Options for Students
If you’re a student dreaming of sailing across the seas or managing a busy port, now is the perfect time to explore careers in this field.
Join the Merchant Navy through DG Shipping-approved institutes and get trained to work on international ships. These jobs offer high salaries, global travel, and adventure.
If you’re more interested in working onshore, you can choose careers in port management, shipping companies, international logistics, or customs and trade.
Courses like BBA or MBA in Port & Shipping Management, Logistics & Supply Chain, or International Business can open doors to jobs in private ports, government port authorities, and shipping consultancies.
Also read : Top 10 Major Ports of India
India’s Maritime Future Looks Bright
With new mega ports coming up under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and existing ports being modernized, the need for skilled professionals is growing fast. Whether you want to become a marine engineer, shipping analyst, port planner, or logistics manager, the opportunities are endless.
India is building a strong base for the youth to shine in the global maritime industry. So, if you have a passion for the sea or global trade, this is your chance to ride the wave of growth and build a rewarding career.
