This article provides a comprehensive list of important ports in India, covering both the eastern and western coasts.
theIAShub | 22 Mar, 2025 | 932 | 0
India’s coastline stretches over 7,500 kilometers and is home to several ports that facilitate trade and commerce. These ports play a crucial role in the country’s economy by handling exports and imports. There are 13 major ports in India, along with over 200 minor and intermediate ports.
India has 13 major ports, distributed across the eastern and western coasts. These ports are key to facilitating trade and managing cargo traffic efficiently.
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Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) in Maharashtra is the largest port in India in terms of container traffic and overall cargo handling. It plays a significant role in India’s maritime trade and is a key gateway for international shipments.
Chennai Port in Tamil Nadu is the second-largest port in India. It is a major hub for container cargo and plays a crucial role in trade across the Bay of Bengal.
India’s major ports are the backbone of the country’s maritime infrastructure, facilitating trade and economic growth. With ongoing modernization and capacity expansion, these ports continue to enhance India’s global trade competitiveness.
Major ports are managed by the central government through the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. These ports have extensive infrastructure and handle a significant volume of cargo, both domestic and international. They are crucial for international trade and contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP.
Minor ports are governed by the respective state governments and usually handle smaller volumes of cargo. They primarily serve regional trade and fishing activities. While they contribute to coastal shipping, they lack the large-scale infrastructure of major ports.
The largest port in India is the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, also known as Nhava Sheva, located in Maharashtra. It is the biggest container port in the country, handling a significant portion of India's international maritime trade and serving as a key gateway for global exports and imports.
The second largest port in India is Chennai Port, situated in Tamil Nadu. It is a major hub for container cargo and bulk trade, playing a vital role in shipping across the Bay of Bengal and serving industries in southern India.
Major ports in India are controlled and managed by the central government through the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, whereas minor ports are under the jurisdiction of state governments. Major ports handle large-scale international and domestic trade with advanced infrastructure, while minor ports primarily serve regional trade, fishing, and coastal shipping with limited facilities.
India’s western coast has Mumbai Port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Kandla Port, Mormugao Port, New Mangalore Port, and Cochin Port. The eastern coast has Chennai Port, Ennore Port, Visakhapatnam Port, Paradip Port, Kolkata Port, Haldia Port, and Tuticorin Port. These ports are strategically placed to support trade and commerce, ensuring efficient cargo movement across the country.
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