Over 915 million tonnes cargo handled by major Indian ports in FY2025-26

Major ports under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways handled 915.17 million tonnes (MT) of cargo during the financial year 2025-26, surpassing the annual target of 904 MT, and registering a strong year-on-year growth of 7.06%.

The achievement highlights improved operational efficiency, robust trade recovery, and sustained momentum in the maritime sector, according to the Ministry. It also reflects “the impact of ongoing reforms and strategic investments aimed at modernising port infrastructure, enhancing logistics efficiency, and advancing India’s ambitions under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047”, the Ministry said.

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Union Minister for Ports Sarbananda Sonowal credited the achievement to the government’s focused approach towards port-led development. The record in cargo-handling underscores India’s commitment to building world-class maritime infrastructure and enabling seamless logistics to support economic growth, Mr. Sonowal said. Guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government continues to position India as a global maritime powerhouse, he added.

The Deendayal Port Authority emerged as the top cargo handler at 160.11 MT, followed closely by the Paradip Port Authority at 156.45 MT. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) at Navi Mumbai handled 102.01 MT, maintaining its position as the leading container port. Other major ports, including the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Mumbai Port Authority, Chennai Port Authority, and New Mangalore Port Authority, also recorded strong contributions to overall throughput, the Ministry said.

In terms of growth rate, the Mormugao Port Authority led with a 15.91% increase, followed by the Kolkata Dock System at 14.28%, and JNPA at 10.74%, indicating improved operational efficiency and rising cargo volumes.

The growth has been driven by capacity augmentation, modernisation of infrastructure, and enhanced multimodal connectivity. Increased handling of key commodities, including coal, crude oil, containers, fertilizers, and petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL), along with digital and smart port initiatives, has further boosted efficiency and reduced turnaround time.

The FY26 performance signals strong trade confidence and the effectiveness of policy measures, and with continued investments and reforms, India’s major ports are well-positioned to achieve higher benchmarks and strengthen the country’s global trade leadership, the Ministry said.