India, with its vast coastline of over 7,500 kilometers, has a rich maritime history and a thriving port network that plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. Ports facilitate about 95% of India’s international trade by volume and 70% by value. The country has 13 major ports (12 government-owned and 1 private) and over 200 minor and intermediate ports, which collectively handle massive cargo traffic.
This blog provides an in-depth look at the 13 major ports in India, their locations, key exports, and their significance in global import export data provider. We will also discuss the upcoming Vizhinjam International Seaport and its potential benefits for India.
Overview of Major Ports in India
India’s 13 major ports are managed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. These ports contribute significantly to India’s $1.2 trillion+ foreign trade.
List of 13 Major Ports in India
| Port Name | State | Key Export Products | Key Import Products |
| 1. Deendayal (Kandla) | Gujarat | Petroleum, Chemicals, Salt | Crude Oil, Fertilizers |
| 2. Mumbai Port | Maharashtra | Machinery, Textiles, Chemicals | Petroleum, Electronics |
| 3. JNPT (Nhava Sheva) | Maharashtra | Electronics, Automobiles, Pharmaceuticals | Machinery, Plastics |
| 4. Mormugao | Goa | Iron Ore, Manganese | Coal, Coking Coal |
| 5. New Mangalore | Karnataka | Coffee, Spices, Granite | LPG, Timber |
| 6. Cochin Port | Kerala | Spices, Tea, Rubber | Petroleum, Fertilizers |
| 7. Chennai Port | Tamil Nadu | Automobiles, Petroleum | Coal, Iron Ore |
| 8. Kamarajar (Ennore) | Tamil Nadu | Coal, Iron Ore | Petroleum, Chemicals |
| 9. V.O. Chidambaranar | Tamil Nadu | Salt, Fertilizers | Coal, Food Grains |
| 10. Visakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh | Iron Ore, Coal, Oil | Crude Oil, Fertilizers |
| 11. Paradip | Odisha | Iron Ore, Coal | Crude Oil, Coking Coal |
| 12. Kolkata (Haldia) | West Bengal | Tea, Jute, Steel | Petroleum, Machinery |
| 13. Port Blair^ | Andaman | Fish, Coconut | Food Supplies, Fuel |
(^Port Blair is a minor port but significant for strategic trade.)
Import-Export Data Insights
India’s Top Export & Import Partners (Port-wise)
| Port | Top Export Countries | Key Exports | Top Import Countries | Key Imports |
| JNPT | USA, UAE, China | Electronics, Pharma | China, Germany | Machinery, Electronics |
| Chennai | USA, Japan, Germany | Automobiles, Textiles | Australia, Indonesia | Coal, Petroleum |
| Mormugao | China, Japan | Iron Ore, Manganese | Australia, South Africa | Coal, Coking Coal |
| Cochin | USA, UAE, UK | Spices, Seafood | Saudi Arabia, Iraq | Petroleum, Fertilizers |
| Kolkata | Bangladesh, Nepal | Tea, Jute | Singapore, Malaysia | Petroleum, Steel |
Key Trends from India’s Import-Export Data (2024)
- JNPT handles 55% of India’s container traffic.
- Iron ore & coal dominate exports from Paradip & Visakhapatnam.
- Petroleum imports are highest at Kandla & Cochin.
- Pharma & electronics exports surge from Nhava Sheva.
(Source: India Trade Data 2024, Ministry of Commerce)
Detailed Explanation of Major Ports in India
1. Kandla Port (Gujarat) – Largest by Cargo Volume
- Location: Gulf of Kutch
- Key Exports: Petroleum, salt, chemicals, textiles
- Significance: India’s largest port by cargo volume, primarily handles crude oil and petroleum products.
2. Mumbai Port (Maharashtra) – Oldest Major Port
- Location: West coast of Mumbai
- Key Exports: Machinery, chemicals, textiles
- Significance: One of India’s oldest ports, handling bulk cargo and containers.
3. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) – Largest Container Port
- Location: Near Mumbai
- Key Exports: Electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals
- Significance: Handles over 50% of India’s container traffic, making it the busiest container port.
4. Mormugao Port (Goa) – Iron Ore Exporter
- Location: South Goa
- Key Exports: Iron ore, manganese, coal
- Significance: Major hub for mineral exports, especially to China and Japan.
5. New Mangalore Port (Karnataka) – Coffee & Spices Hub
- Location: Karnataka
- Key Exports: Coffee, spices, cashew, granite
- Significance: Major exporter of agricultural products from South India.
6. Cochin Port (Kerala) – International Transshipment Hub
- Location: Kochi, Kerala
- Key Exports: Spices, tea, rubber, seafood
- Significance: Home to India’s first transshipment terminal (Vallarpadam).
7. Chennai Port (Tamil Nadu) – Automotive & Petroleum Hub
- Location: Coromandel Coast
- Key Exports: Automobiles, petroleum, textiles
- Significance: Major exporter of cars (Hyundai, Ford, BMW).
8. Kamarajar Port (Ennore) – Coal & Petroleum Port
- Location: Near Chennai
- Key Exports: Coal, iron ore, petroleum
- Significance: First corporatized major port in India.
9. V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin) – Salt & Fertilizer Exporter
- Location: Tamil Nadu
- Key Exports: Salt, fertilizers, granite
- Significance: Major port for trade with Sri Lanka.
10. Visakhapatnam Port (Andhra Pradesh) – Iron Ore & Coal Hub
- Location: Andhra Pradesh
- Key Exports: Iron ore, coal, oil
- Significance: Deepest port, handles large cargo ships.
11. Paradip Port (Odisha) – Bulk Cargo Port
- Location: Odisha
- Key Exports: Iron ore, coal, petroleum
- Significance: Major exporter of raw materials to China.
12. Kolkata Port (West Bengal) – Riverine Port
- Location: Hooghly River
- Key Exports: Tea, jute, steel
- Significance: Only major riverine port in India.
13. Deendayal Port (Kandla) – Petroleum & Chemicals
- Location: Gujarat
- Key Exports: Petroleum, chemicals, salt
- Significance: Handles large crude oil shipments.
Vizhinjam International Seaport – A Game Changer?
Vizhinjam International Seaport – A Game Changer for India?
What is Vizhinjam Port?
- Location: Near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Developer: Adani Ports & SEZ
- Capacity: 8 million TEUs (containers)
- Depth: 20 meters (deepest in India)
Why is Vizhinjam Important?
- Transshipment Hub: Will compete with Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai for global transshipment.
- Cost Savings: Indian exporters currently spend $200-300 extra per container due to reliance on foreign ports.
- Strategic Location: Close to international shipping routes, reducing transit time.
- Economic Boost: Expected to generate thousands of jobs and boost Kerala’s economy.
Challenges & Future Prospects
Could make India a global maritime leader
Delays due to protests & environmental concerns
Expected completion by 2025
Benefits for India
- Transshipment Hub: Will compete with Colombo & Singapore, saving Indian traders $200-300 per container.
- Boost to ‘Make in India’: Faster export-import cycles for electronics, textiles, and automobiles.
- Economic Growth: Expected to generate 5,000+ direct jobs and $2 billion+ in revenue.
- Strategic Importance: Near international shipping routes (Malacca Strait).
- Reduced Logistics Costs: Indian exporters currently pay $1.2 billion/year in transshipment fees to foreign ports.
Challenges
⚠ Environmental concerns & protests
⚠ Delays in completion (now expected by 2025-26)
Future of India’s Ports (2025 & Beyond)
- Sagarmala Project: ₹8.5 lakh crore investment in port modernization.
- Green Ports Initiative: Solar-powered ports (e.g., Cochin).
- Digital Ports: Blockchain-based cargo tracking.
- Vizhinjam & Vadhavan Ports: To make India a global shipping hub.
Conclusion
India’s 13 major ports drive 90% of EXIM trade, with JNPT, Chennai, and Kandla leading in container traffic. The upcoming Vizhinjam Port will revolutionize transshipment, cutting costs and boosting efficiency.
For businesses, leveraging India import-export data is crucial to stay competitive. With Sagarmala and digital reforms, India aims to become a top-5 global trading hub by 2030.
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