India’s Major Ports have achieved a historic performance milestone in fiscal year 2024-25, reflecting the robust expansion of the country’s maritime sector and its increasing importance in global trade. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported a significant increase in cargo throughput, infrastructural modernisation, operational efficiency, and private investment.

The total cargo handled by Major Ports grew by 4.3% year-on-year, rising from 819 million tonnes in FY 2023-24 to an estimated 855 million tonnes in FY 2024-25. The growth was driven by substantial increases in container traffic (10%), fertiliser handling (13%), POL cargo (3%), and miscellaneous commodities (31%).

Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) constituted the largest share of the cargo handled at Major Ports, reaching 254.5 million tonnes or nearly 30% of the total. Containers accounted for 193.5 million tonnes (22.6%), coal at 186.6 million tonnes (21.8%), with the remainder made up of iron ore, pellets, fertilisers, and other commodities.

FY 2024-25 also marked a historic first for Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), both of which surpassed the 150-million-tonne cargo handling threshold. Meanwhile, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) achieved a record throughput of 7.3 million TEUs, registering a 13.5% growth over the previous fiscal.

One of the key highlights of the year was the allocation of 962 acres of port land valued at ₹7,565 crore for port-led industrialisation. This land is expected to attract future investments of ₹68,780 crore, indicating continued investor confidence in India’s port ecosystem. Public-private partnerships have flourished, with PPP project investments at Major Ports nearly tripling from ₹1,329 crore in FY 2022-23 to ₹3,986 crore in FY 2024-25.

Operational improvements have also been significant. Pre-Berthing Detention (PBD) Time improved by nearly 36% compared to the previous year. Total income from Major Ports grew by 8% to ₹24,203 crore, while operating surplus rose by 7% to ₹12,314 crore.

Over the past decade, the sector has demonstrated consistent growth. From FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25, cargo volumes surged from 581 million tonnes to 855 million tonnes, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4%. Container traffic grew by 70% over the same period, from 7.9 million TEUs to 13.5 million TEUs.

Operational indicators have also seen dramatic enhancements over the decade. Output per Ship Berth Day (OSBD) rose from 12,458 tonnes to 18,304 tonnes. Average Turnaround Time (TRT) improved by 48%, and Idle Time reduced by 29%.

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India’s Major Ports are now positioned as globally competitive trade hubs, supported by continued investment in digitalisation, multimodal logistics, and sustainable infrastructure. FY 2024-25 stands as a testament to strategic reforms and collaborative stakeholder engagement that continue to power India’s maritime ambitions.

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