India’s 12 major ports handled a total of 855 million tonnes (MT) of cargo in the financial year 2024-25, showing a 4.3% increase compared to 819 MT in FY24, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

The ministry highlighted that the growth was supported by higher movement of container cargo (up 10%), fertilisers (13%), petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL) (3%), and miscellaneous goods (31%).

In a major milestone, both Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) crossed the 150 MT cargo handling mark for the first time ever.

Meanwhile, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) created history by handling 7.3 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), a 13.5% year-on-year growth in container traffic.

Among all commodities, POL cargo topped the list, handling 254.5 MT, which is 29.8% of the total cargo. This includes crude oil, petroleum products, LPG and LNG.

It was followed by container cargo at 193.5 MT (22.6%), and coal at 186.6 MT (21.8%). Other cargo types included iron ore, pellets, fertilisers, and miscellaneous items.

In FY25, the ports collectively allocated 962 acres of land for industrial activities. This land is expected to generate ₹7,565 crore in revenue, while lessees are projected to invest ₹68,780 crore on this land in the coming years, a clear sign of rising investor confidence in port-led development.

Private participation in port operations has grown rapidly. Investments in PPP (Public-Private Partnership) projects jumped from ₹1,329 crore in FY23 to ₹3,986 crore in FY25.

Major ports recorded an 8% rise in total income, reaching ₹24,203 crore in FY25, up from ₹22,468 crore in the previous year.

Operating surplus also increased by 7%, going from ₹11,512 crore to ₹12,314 crore.

The ministry reported improvement in key operational metrics:

From FY15 to FY25, cargo volumes at major ports increased from 581 MT to 855 MT, showing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4%.

Container cargo grew sharply, rising 70% over the decade, from 7.9 million TEUs in FY15 to 13.5 million TEUs in FY25. Financially, the ports have doubled their total income from ₹11,760 crore in FY15 to ₹24,203 crore in FY25, recording a 7.5% CAGR.

Operating surplus almost tripled over the same period, reaching ₹12,314 crore, with a 13% CAGR. The operating ratio, a key indicator of efficiency, improved from 64.7% in FY15 to 42.3% in FY25, showing better financial sustainability.

The Ministry noted that continued investment in mechanisation, process optimisation, digital port systems, and multi-modal logistics has led to better cargo handling, lower wait times, and improved investor confidence.

A ministry official stated that India’s major ports are now better equipped than ever to handle increasing trade demands and support the country’s economic ambitions through efficient and sustainable maritime infrastructure.

References: livemint, timesofindia

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