India’s maritime strength lies in its coastline of over 7,500 kilometers, dotted with ports that handle massive volumes of cargo every year. The Top 10 Major Ports in India are the backbone of this trade network, managing around 95% of India’s overseas trade by volume and nearly 70% by value. These ports not only connect India to global markets but also fuel regional economies, industrial growth, and employment.

From JNPT’s container terminals to Paradip’s mineral exports, each port contributes uniquely to the nation’s logistics chain. Below, we explore every major port in depth, with facts, figures, and user-friendly insights that help you understand why these maritime hubs are the real pillars of India’s sea trade.

Overview of Top 10 Major Ports in India (2025 Edition)

Port Name	State / Location	Key Functions	Annual Cargo Handling (MMT)
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)	Maharashtra	India’s largest container port; main global trade gateway	85 MMT
Mumbai Port Trust	Maharashtra	Oldest natural harbour; handles petroleum, machinery	60 MMT
Kandla (Deendayal Port)	Gujarat	Busiest tidal port; trade-free zone; handles bulk cargo	115 MMT
Mormugao Port	Goa	Iron ore export hub; on Zuari River estuary	45 MMT
Kochi Port	Kerala	Handles LNG, spices, seafood; inland-sea link	35 MMT
Chennai Port	Tamil Nadu	Artificial port; automobile and machinery exports	50 MMT
Ennore (Kamarajar Port)	Tamil Nadu	Corporatized port; deals with coal and cars	40 MMT
Visakhapatnam Port	Andhra Pradesh	Deepest natural port; handles iron ore, petroleum	70 MMT
Paradip Port	Odisha	Natural harbour; coal, aluminium, and iron exports	115 MMT
Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar Port)	Tamil Nadu	Deep-sea port; fertilizers and chemical exports	36 MMT

1. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) – India’s Global Container Gateway

India’s trade crown jewel, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, or JNPT, is located in Navi Mumbai. It handles nearly 55% of India’s total container traffic, with a handling capacity of over 5.7 million TEUs annually. It spans 2,500 hectares and connects to major inland destinations through seamless rail and road networks. As India’s first port built exclusively for container operations, JNPT drives international trade and logistics. It’s recognized for its efficiency, innovation, and high automation standards.

Key Highlights of JNPT Port

• India’s largest and busiest container port.
• Awarded “Best Global Port in India” for three consecutive years.
• Houses five container terminals with modern handling systems.
• Generates over 20% of national port revenue.
• Connected to Delhi, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh via dedicated freight corridors.

2. Mumbai Port Trust – The Oldest Natural Harbour in India

Mumbai Port Trust, established in 1873, remains one of India’s oldest and most iconic maritime gateways. It is a natural harbour located on the western coast and handles diverse cargo, including petroleum, chemicals, and general merchandise. With an annual handling capacity of 60 million tonnes, Mumbai Port serves as a vital link between western India and global markets. Its deep-water anchorage and proximity to industrial zones make it a continuous hub for energy and trade.

Key Features of Mumbai Port

• One of Asia’s largest natural harbours.
• Handles both cargo and passenger vessels.
• Key exports include machinery, textiles, and chemicals.
• Expansion underway for cruise terminals and coastal trade routes.
• Strategic for Maharashtra’s oil and gas logistics.

3. Kandla (Deendayal Port) – Gujarat’s Trade Powerhouse

Kandla Port, renamed Deendayal Port, lies in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat. It’s India’s busiest and largest cargo-handling port, managing more than 115 million tonnes annually. It serves as the gateway for petroleum, fertilizers, and salt exports. Kandla’s tidal port structure allows ships to operate around the clock, making it one of the most efficient ports in Asia. Declared a Free Trade Zone, it offers businesses operational freedom and lower tariffs.

Key Features of Kandla Port

• Handles 20% of India’s total maritime trade.
• Major commodities: petroleum, crude, chemicals, fertilizers.
• Advanced terminal for liquid cargo and dry bulk.
• Expansion under Sagarmala Project to boost port capacity.
• Connects directly with industrial clusters in Gujarat.

4. Mormugao Port – The Mineral Export Champion

Located on the Zuari River estuary in Goa, Mormugao Port is famous for its iron ore exports. Its deep natural harbour supports heavy cargo ships, handling over 45 million tonnes of cargo annually. This port is the heart of Goa’s mineral economy, exporting iron ore primarily to Japan and China. Apart from minerals, it manages coal imports and other bulk cargo efficiently.

Key Features of Mormugao Port

• Depth of 14.1 meters for large vessels.
• Specialized facilities for bulk cargo and ore loading.
• Linked with Konkan Railway for inland transport.
• Ongoing upgrades for eco-friendly cargo operations.
• Crucial for western coastal mineral trade.

5. Kochi Port – The Spice and Energy Gateway

Kochi Port in Kerala stands out as a blend of inland and maritime connectivity through the Vembanad Lake. It handles spices, seafood, salt, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). With an annual cargo throughput of around 35 million tonnes, Kochi plays a vital role in South India’s economy. The port’s LNG terminal, one of India’s few, is crucial for the energy sector. It also connects the western coast to the Middle East and Africa.

Key Features of Kochi Port

• Handles both import and export of LNG.
• Known as India’s “Spice Gateway.”
• Connects via inland waterways for domestic cargo.
• Boosts Kerala’s seafood and oil trade.
• Focus on renewable and clean port operations.

6. Chennai Port – The Industrial Export Giant

Chennai Port, operational since 1881, is among India’s oldest and most advanced artificial harbours. It plays a major role in exporting automobiles, machinery, and textiles. With a cargo handling capacity of over 50 million tonnes annually, Chennai is called the “Gateway to South India.” The port supports Tamil Nadu’s industrial belt and is a key point for car exports to international markets. It’s currently undergoing digital transformation to speed up logistics.

Key Features of Chennai Port

• Handles over 1,000 vessels each year.
• Major exports: automobiles, machinery, and consumer goods.
• Upgraded container terminals with automation.
• Key hub for industrial and automobile sectors.
• Supports Make-in-India export initiatives.

7. Ennore (Kamarajar Port) – The Modern Corporate Port

Located just 24 km from Chennai, Ennore Port, now known as Kamarajar Port, is India’s first corporatized port. Operating under a company model, it focuses on efficiency and profitability while maintaining government oversight. Handling coal, iron ore, and automobiles, it supports Tamil Nadu’s power and automobile industries. It’s designed for lower emissions and advanced cargo management.

Key Features of Ennore Port

• India’s first corporatized and profit-driven port.
• Modern terminals for coal and car exports.
• Mechanized cargo systems for efficiency.
• Government owns 68% stake.
• Growing focus on renewable energy shipments.

8. Visakhapatnam Port – The Deepwater Trade Hub

Located on India’s east coast, Visakhapatnam Port is the deepest natural harbour, allowing large ships to dock. It handles nearly 70 million tonnes annually, making it vital for India’s eastern trade. It exports iron ore, petroleum, and steel products and supports the region’s heavy industries. Shipbuilding and repair facilities at this port also serve as a key industrial advantage.

Key Features of Visakhapatnam Port

• Natural depth of 18.5 meters.
• India’s deepest and most strategic port.
• Linked to mining belts of central India.
• Facilities for shipbuilding and repair.
• Handles both exports and energy imports.

9. Paradip Port – Odisha’s Export Powerhouse

Built in 1966, Paradip Port in Odisha is one of India’s most active natural harbours. It handles over 115 million tonnes annually, primarily iron, aluminium, and coal exports.

Strategically located near the Mahanadi River delta, it supports industries in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. Paradip’s modernization has made it a global trade hub for bulk materials.

Key Features of Paradip Port

• Handles 40% of India’s total iron ore exports.
• India’s first major port post-independence.
• Advanced terminals for dry and liquid bulk cargo.
• Key player in India’s mineral economy.
• Expanding under Sagarmala to increase trade efficiency.

10. Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar Port) – The Deep-Sea Southern Gateway

Tuticorin Port, officially known as V.O. Chidambaranar Port, lies on Tamil Nadu’s south-east coast. With a depth of 12.8 meters and annual handling of 36 million tonnes, it’s crucial for chemicals, fertilizers, and machinery exports. This port has direct connectivity to Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries through short-sea routes, making it one of India’s most strategically placed maritime hubs.

Key Features of Tuticorin Port

• Deep-sea port suitable for large vessels.
• Focuses on fertilizers and petrochemical trade.
• Linked with Colombo via regular routes.
• Key contributor to South India’s exports.
• Planned expansion for container cargo facilities.

Government Initiatives Transforming India’s Ports

The Sagarmala Project and Blue Economy Policy aim to modernize ports and boost logistics efficiency.

• ₹2,000 crore allocated for PPP projects in major ports
• SAROD-Ports: Online dispute resolution system
• Make in India: Prioritizes Indian-built and flagged vessels
• Major Port Authorities Act (2020): Grants more autonomy to ports

These efforts are expected to increase port capacity by over 200 MMT by 2030.

FAQs about Top 10 Major Ports in India 

1. Which is the largest container port in India?

 The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Maharashtra is India’s largest container port, handling over 5.7 million TEUs annually.

2. Which is the oldest port in India still in operation?

The Mumbai Port Trust, established in 1873, is India’s oldest and continuously operating natural harbour.

3. Which port handles the maximum bulk cargo in India?

Kandla Port (Deendayal Port) in Gujarat handles over 115 million tonnes of bulk cargo every year, making it India’s busiest port.

4. Which port is known for mineral and iron ore exports?

Mormugao Port in Goa is India’s leading mineral export hub, primarily exporting iron ore to Japan and China.

5. Which port is called the “Spice Gateway” of India?

Kochi Port in Kerala earns this name as it exports large quantities of spices, seafood, and salt, connecting India to the Middle East.

6. Which port is the deepest natural harbour in India?

Visakhapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh is the deepest port in India, with a natural depth of 18.5 meters suitable for large vessels.

7. Which is India’s first corporatized port?

Ennore Port, now known as Kamarajar Port, is India’s first corporatised and profit-driven port near Chennai.

8. Which port handles most of India’s iron and aluminium exports?

Paradip Port in Odisha manages a significant portion of India’s iron, aluminium, and coal exports, handling over 115 MMT annually.

9. Which port serves as South India’s deep-sea trade link?

Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar Port) acts as the deep-sea gateway for southern India, handling petrochemicals and fertilizers.

10. How many major ports are there in India currently?

India has 13 major ports, but the top 10 handle nearly 90% of the country’s total trade traffic.