Major Ports Handle 915 Million Tonnes Of Cargo In FY26, Exceed Annual Target

India’s major ports closed FY 2025–26 with cargo handling of 915.17 million tonnes, surpassing the annual target of 904 million tonnes and registering year-on-year growth of 7.06 per cent, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The performance reflects continued expansion in cargo capacity, efficiency gains and stronger trade-linked activity across the country’s maritime sector.

The ministry said the milestone highlights the impact of ongoing reforms and investments aimed at modernising port infrastructure, improving logistics efficiency and strengthening India’s standing as a major maritime economy under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the record cargo throughput demonstrates the government’s push to build world-class port infrastructure and seamless logistics systems to support economic growth.

Among individual ports, Deendayal Port Authority emerged as the top cargo handler with 160.11 million tonnes, followed by Paradip Port Authority with 156.45 million tonnes and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority with 102.01 million tonnes. Other major ports, including Visakhapatnam, Mumbai, Chennai and New Mangalore, also made significant contributions to the overall throughput.

In growth terms, Mormugao Port Authority recorded the sharpest rise at 15.91 per cent, followed by Kolkata Dock System at 14.28 per cent and JNPA at 10.74 per cent. The ministry attributed the strong showing to port modernisation, capacity augmentation, better hinterland connectivity, digital and smart port initiatives, and higher movement of commodities such as coal, crude oil, containers, fertilisers and petroleum products.

The government said the FY26 performance signals stronger trade confidence and improved operational efficiency at India’s major ports. With continued policy support and infrastructure investment, the sector is expected to play a larger role in boosting economic growth and enhancing India’s global trade competitiveness.

Reference: PIB