India’s Major Ports have reached new heights in FY 2024-25, achieving record-breaking cargo volumes, enhanced operational efficiency, and robust financial performance. This progress highlights the success of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways’ focused efforts to modernize infrastructure, attract private investments, and streamline port operations. The decade-long transformation from FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25 showcases India’s journey toward becoming a global maritime powerhouse.
Surging Cargo Volumes and Operational Milestones
Major Ports handled approximately 855 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2024-25, up from 819 million tonnes in the previous fiscal—registering a 4.3% annual growth. Key contributors to this growth include container traffic (up 10%), fertilizer handling (up 13%), and miscellaneous commodities (up 31%). Notably, Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) crossed the 150-million-tonne mark for the first time, and JNPA set a record with 7.3 million TEUs, marking a 13.5% increase year-on-year.
The decade-long transformation also saw containerized cargo rise from 7.9 million TEUs in FY 2014-15 to 13.5 million TEUs in FY 2024-25—a growth of 70%. Other commodities like coal, fertilizers, and POL products also registered steady growth.
Productivity and Financial Performance on the Rise
India’s ports have shown notable improvement in productivity metrics:
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Output per Ship Berth Day (OSBD) increased by 47% to 18,304 tonnes.
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Average Turnaround Time (TRT) was reduced by 48%, down to 49.5 hours.
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Pre-Berthing Detention Time (PBD) on port account dropped 24% over the decade.
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Idle Time declined from 23.1% to 16.3%, reflecting greater operational efficiency.
Financially, Major Ports recorded an 8% income growth in FY 2024-25, reaching ₹24,203 crore, while operating surplus rose to ₹12,314 crore—a 7% year-on-year increase. Over the decade, total income doubled and operating surplus tripled, underlining the sector’s growing financial resilience.
Accelerating Investment and Future Readiness
FY 2024-25 witnessed major strides in port-led industrialization, with 962 acres allocated, potentially generating ₹7,565 crore in income and attracting ₹68,780 crore in future investments. PPP investments at Major Ports tripled in two years—from ₹1,329 crore in FY 2022-23 to ₹3,986 crore in FY 2024-25—showcasing rising private sector confidence.
Minister Sarbananda Sonowal lauded the progress, attributing the success to strong leadership, collaborative efforts, and a forward-thinking strategy. With enhanced mechanisation, digital integration, and multi-modal logistics, India’s ports are positioned to support the country’s expanding global trade and economic ambitions.
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Source: PIB
