The Essential Guide to Major Ports in India: Complete List for 2025

The Essential Guide to Major Ports in India: Complete List for 2025

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India, with its vast coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometers, relies heavily on its ports to facilitate international trade The Trade Vision and support economic growth. Major ports serve as the backbone of maritime logistics, handling the bulk of cargo traffic and playing a crucial role in connecting India with global markets. As of 2025, India’s network of major ports continues to expand and modernize, enhancing capacity, efficiency, and connectivity.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of India’s major ports for 2025, their strategic significance, and key developments shaping their future.

 List of Major Ports in India (2025)

Below is the updated list of India’s officially designated major ports as of 2025:

Port	State	Key Highlights
Kolkata Port (Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port)	West Bengal	India’s only riverine major port; gateway to eastern and northeastern India.
Haldia Dock Complex	West Bengal	Part of Kolkata Port; handles bulk cargo and petroleum products.
Paradip Port	Odisha	One of the largest bulk cargo ports; handles coal and iron ore exports.
Visakhapatnam Port	Andhra Pradesh	Major industrial port; serves mineral exports and container traffic.
Chennai Port	Tamil Nadu	One of the oldest ports; key hub for automobiles and containers.
Ennore Port (Kamarajar Port)	Tamil Nadu	India’s first corporate port; primarily handles coal and liquid bulk cargo.
V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin Port)	Tamil Nadu	Southern gateway for container and general cargo trade.
Cochin Port	Kerala	Gateway to the southwestern coast; key for container transshipment and cruise tourism.
New Mangalore Port	Karnataka	Handles petroleum, iron ore, and fertilizers; supports hinterland industries.
Mormugao Port	Goa	Major iron ore export port; supports coastal shipping.
Mumbai Port	Maharashtra	Historic port; handles bulk and break-bulk cargo.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT)	Maharashtra	India’s largest container port; crucial for EXIM trade.
Deendayal Port (Kandla Port)	Gujarat	One of the highest cargo handling ports; handles crude, petroleum, and grains.
Port of Mundra (Emerging major port)*	Gujarat	India’s largest commercial port by cargo volume; private but strategically significant.

Note: While Mundra is privately owned, its scale and infrastructure make it vital to India’s trade ecosystem and often considered alongside major ports in practice.



 Importance of Major Ports

• Trade Backbone: Over 70% of India’s foreign trade by volume passes through its major ports.

 

• Regional Development: Ports drive local economies, generate employment, and support industrial clusters.

 

• Infrastructure Upgrades: Government initiatives like Sagarmala and port-led development are modernizing cargo handling, dredging, and connectivity.

 

• Technology Integration: Adoption of digital platforms, automated cargo handling, and green port practices is enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

 

 Future Outlook

By 2025, India’s major ports are expected to:

• Increase total cargo handling capacity significantly.

 

• Implement more public-private partnerships to attract investment.

 

• Embrace green energy initiatives to reduce carbon footprints.

 

• Expand hinterland connectivity through dedicated freight corridors, inland waterways, and multi-modal logistics parks.

 

 Conclusion

India’s major ports are not just gateways for trade but engines of economic transformation. With ongoing modernization and Major Ports India strategic policy support, they are well-positioned to meet the demands of a growing economy and a dynamic global trade environment.

For businesses, exporters, importers, and policymakers, staying informed about these vital maritime hubs is essential for navigating India’s evolving logistics landscape.

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