India’s top 12 ports saw a 5% growth in cargo volume to 413.74 million metric tonnes (MMT) in September 2024, the government reported. This growth signals robust performance in the maritime sector, highlighting the importance of ports in supporting India’s trade and economic activities. These ports, crucial for handling imports and exports, play a critical role in maintaining the country’s supply chains and logistics networks.

The increase in cargo volumes reflects improved port efficiency and an increase in global trade, driven by strong demand for goods across sectors. Major commodities handled included petroleum products, coal, iron ore and containers, all of which contributed significantly to the overall cargo movement. This growth is expected to further strengthen the government’s vision of transforming India into a logistics hub, with continued infrastructure upgrades enhancing the capacity and efficiency of these ports.

The 12 largest ports – Mumbai, Kandla, Chennai, Kolkata and others – form the backbone of India’s maritime infrastructure. Their collective performance is a key indicator of the health of the country’s shipping and logistics industries. The government’s continued investment in port modernisation and digitalisation initiatives has also played a role in improving port productivity.

The continued growth in cargo highlights the increasing importance of ports in facilitating international trade, driving economic growth and connecting India to global markets. As cargo volumes continue to rise, the maritime sector is poised to expand further, with additional improvements in port infrastructure expected to improve the handling capacity and efficiency of India’s major ports, strengthening their role in the global supply chain.