India, with its extensive coastline of over 7,500 kilometres, has been a hub of maritime trade for centuries. Today, its ports are the primary gateways for the nation’s international commerce, handling around 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value. These ports are crucial for the economy, facilitating the movement of everything from crude oil and coal to cars and containers. This 2026 guide provides an overview of the major ports in India, their locations, and their significance in the country’s economic landscape.
Quick Answer
India has 12 major ports and over 200 non-major (minor) ports. The major ports are administered by the central government and handle the bulk of the country’s cargo traffic. Key major ports include Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) in Maharashtra, which is the largest container port, Mundra Port in Gujarat (largest private port), and Chennai Port.
Understanding the Classification of Ports in India
Ports in India are classified into two categories based on their administration and traffic volume:
- Major Ports: These are large, well-equipped ports that are owned and administered by the Central Government under the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963. They handle a significant portion of the country’s cargo and container traffic. As of 2026, there are 12 major ports in India.
- Minor Ports (Non-Major Ports): These ports are administered by the respective state governments. While they are called ‘minor’, many of them, like Mundra Port, have grown to handle massive volumes of traffic, often exceeding that of some major ports. There are over 200 such ports along the Indian coastline.
List of the 12 Major Ports in India
The 12 major ports are strategically located along the east and west coasts of India. Here is a comprehensive list with key details for each.
Major Ports on the West Coast (Arabian Sea)
The west coast ports have a natural advantage due to their proximity to major international shipping routes connecting Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
1. Deendayal Port (Kandla), Gujarat
- Key Feature: It is a tidal port and the largest port in India by cargo volume handled.
- Major Cargo: Crude oil, petroleum products, salt, food grains, and fertilizers. It is a key gateway for imports for North India.
2. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), Maharashtra
- Key Feature: Also known as Nhava Sheva, it is the largest container port in India.
- Major Cargo: Handles over 50% of the total container cargo in the country. It deals with textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and machinery.
3. Mumbai Port, Maharashtra
- Key Feature: One of the oldest ports in India, with a natural deep-water harbour.
- Major Cargo: Primarily handles general cargo, petroleum, oil, lubricants (POL), and dry bulk. Its container traffic has largely shifted to JNPT.
4. Mormugao Port, Goa
- Key Feature: A leading iron ore exporting port in India.
- Major Cargo: Iron ore, coal, and manganese ore are the primary commodities handled here.
5. New Mangalore Port, Karnataka
- Key Feature: A deep-water, all-weather port located in Panambur.
- Major Cargo: Known for exporting iron ore concentrates, coffee, and cashew, and importing crude oil for its refinery.
6. Cochin Port (Kochi), Kerala
- Key Feature: A major port located on the Vembanad Lake with a natural harbour. It is home to India’s first container transshipment terminal.
- Major Cargo: Spices, tea, coffee, and container cargo.
Major Ports on the East Coast (Bay of Bengal)
The east coast ports are crucial for trade with Southeast and East Asian countries.
7. Tuticorin Port (V.O. Chidambaranar), Tamil Nadu
- Key Feature: An artificial deep-sea harbour known for its pearl fishery.
- Major Cargo: Handles coal, salt, fertilizers, and petroleum products. It is a major trade gateway for South India.
8. Chennai Port, Tamil Nadu
- Key Feature: The second-largest container port in India, after JNPT. It is the largest port on the Bay of Bengal.
- Major Cargo: Containers, automobiles (earning it the nickname ‘Detroit of Asia’), and petroleum products.
9. Visakhapatnam Port (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh
- Key Feature: The deepest landlocked and protected port in India.
- Major Cargo: Iron ore, coal, crude oil, and general cargo. It is a key port for handling cargo for central and eastern India. You can learn more about its state with this guide to bank holidays in Andhra Pradesh.
10. Paradip Port, Odisha
- Key Feature: An artificial, deep-water port located at the confluence of the Mahanadi river and the Bay of Bengal.
- Major Cargo: Specializes in handling large bulk cargo like coal, iron ore, and dry cargo.
11. Haldia Port (part of Kolkata Port), West Bengal
- Key Feature: A major riverine port, located on the Hooghly River. Haldia was developed as a deep-water dock system to relieve pressure on the older Kolkata port.
- Major Cargo: Bulk cargo like petroleum products, chemicals, and coal.
12. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (Kolkata), West Bengal
- Key Feature: The only riverine major port in India and the oldest operating port in the country.
- Major Cargo: Jute, tea, steel, and other goods from the vast hinterland of Eastern India. It constantly battles silting issues in the Hooghly River.
The Rise of Private (Non-Major) Ports
In recent years, several non-major ports, developed through public-private partnerships, have emerged as major players in India’s maritime sector. The most prominent among these is:
Mundra Port, Gujarat
Operated by Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ), Mundra is India’s largest private port. In terms of cargo volume, it often surpasses Deendayal (Kandla) Port. It has deep draft berths, advanced cargo handling equipment, and excellent rail and road connectivity, making it one of the most efficient ports in the country.
The Sagarmala Programme: Modernizing India’s Ports
The Government of India’s Sagarmala Programme is a flagship initiative aimed at promoting port-led development. Launched to harness India’s long coastline, the program focuses on:
- Port Modernization: Upgrading the infrastructure and increasing the capacity of major and non-major ports.
- Port Connectivity: Improving the linkages of ports with the hinterland through better road, rail, and inland waterway networks. This is crucial for efficient movement, just as a guide on the Indian numbering system is for understanding trade figures.
- Port-led Industrialization: Developing industrial clusters and coastal economic zones near ports to reduce logistics costs for industries.
- Coastal Community Development: Promoting skill development and livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
This initiative is set to further enhance the capacity and efficiency of India’s maritime trade infrastructure, making the ports even more central to the nation’s economic growth story.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many major ports are there in India?
As of 2026, there are 12 major ports in India. These are administered by the Central Government and are located along the east and west coasts of the country. Six are on the west coast and six are on the east coast.
Which is the largest container port in India?
Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), also known as Nhava Sheva, located in Maharashtra, is the largest container port in India. It handles more than half of the total container cargo traffic of the country.
Which is the largest port in India by cargo volume?
Deendayal Port (formerly Kandla Port) in Gujarat is typically the largest major port in India by the total volume of cargo handled. However, the private Mundra Port, also in Gujarat, often surpasses it in cargo volume, making it the largest port overall.
What is the oldest port in India?
The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (formerly Kolkata Port) is the oldest operating port in India. It is a riverine port located on the Hooghly River and has been a commercial hub for centuries.
What is the difference between a major and a minor port?
The primary difference lies in their administration. Major ports are owned and managed by the Central Government of India, while minor ports are managed by the respective state governments. Major ports generally handle larger volumes of international and domestic cargo.