India’s Major Ports Set New Benchmarks in Cargo, Efficiency, and Investment in FY 2024-25

India’s maritime sector reached an impressive milestone in FY 2024-25, as the nation’s Major Ports demonstrated robust growth across all key performance indicators—cargo throughput, efficiency, infrastructure development, and financial returns. This decade-long progress culminated in a landmark year, reflecting the country’s vision of becoming a global maritime powerhouse underpinned by efficient logistics and infrastructure-led development.

Record Cargo Throughput: A Testament to Resilience and Capacity

India’s 12 Major Ports collectively handled approximately 855 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2024-25, marking a notable 4.3% increase from 819 million tonnes in FY 2023-24. This consistent growth, despite global trade challenges, showcases the resilience and increasing capacity of Indian ports. The cargo surge was fueled by diverse sectors:

• Container throughput rose by 10% year-on-year.

• Fertilizer cargo expanded by 13%.

• POL (Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants) traffic increased by 3%.

• Miscellaneous commodities witnessed a dramatic 31% surge.

Commodity-Wise Breakdown: POL Leads the Way

Among all commodities handled in FY 2024-25:

• POL cargo accounted for the largest share at 254.5 million tonnes (29.8%).

• Containerized cargo followed at 193.5 million tonnes (22.6%).

• Coal shipments totaled 186.6 million tonnes (21.8%).

• Other significant contributors included iron ore, pellets, fertilizers, and general cargo.

This balanced distribution reflects the growing diversity in India’s trade portfolio and the strength of its maritime logistics backbone.

Paradip and Deendayal Ports Cross Historic Milestones

In a historic first, Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) surpassed the 150-million-tonne cargo handling mark. Their performance solidifies their status as strategic gateways for India's export-import trade and highlights their operational efficiency and infrastructure capabilities.

Meanwhile, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) set a new record in container handling by processing 7.3 million TEUs, a 13.5% increase from the previous year—marking it as India’s premier container port.

Land Allocation and Investment: Catalyzing Port-Led Development

The Indian ports sector is increasingly attracting private capital and fostering industrial growth:

• A total of 962 acres was allocated for port-led industrialization in FY 2024-25.

• This land is projected to generate ₹7,565 crore in annual income.

• Lessees are expected to invest ₹68,780 crore in the coming years.

Moreover, PPP investments at Major Ports have tripled—from ₹1,329 crore in FY 2022-23 to ₹3,986 crore in FY 2024-25—a resounding endorsement of investor confidence in India’s maritime ecosystem.

Operational Efficiency: Sharply Improved Turnaround Metrics

The Ministry’s drive for digitization, mechanization, and process reengineering has yielded substantial operational gains:

• Pre-Berthing Detention (PBD) Time improved by ~36% in FY 2024-25 from the previous year.

• Output per Ship Berth Day (OSBD) climbed from 12,458 tonnes in FY 2014-15 to 18,304 tonnes.

• Average Turnaround Time (TRT) was slashed by 48%, from 96 hours to 49.5 hours.

• PBD Time on port account dropped from 5.02 hours to 3.8 hours.

• Idle Time reduced from 23.1% to 16.3%, a 29% improvement.

These indicators reflect an ecosystem increasingly focused on turnaround time and capacity optimization, critical for competitiveness in global trade.

Financial Performance: Doubling Revenues and Surpluses

Major Ports posted commendable financial results:

• Total income grew by 8% to ₹24,203 crore in FY 2024-25 from ₹22,468 crore in FY 2023-24.

• Operating surplus increased 7% to ₹12,314 crore, up from ₹11,512 crore.

• Over a decade, total income doubled from ₹11,760 crore, with a CAGR of 7.5%.

• Operating surplus nearly tripled, with a 13% CAGR, highlighting sound financial health.

• The operating ratio improved dramatically from 64.7% to 42.3%, signaling stronger cost efficiency and profitability.

A Decade of Transformation: FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25

The last ten years have seen transformative growth:

• Cargo volumes rose from 581 million tonnes to 855 million tonnes (CAGR ~4%).

• Container traffic surged by 70%, from 7.9 million TEUs to 13.5 million TEUs.

• Conventional cargo such as coal, fertilizers, iron ore, and POL also grew substantially.

• Investment in infrastructure and digitization have been key enablers of this transformation.

Strategic Vision and Leadership: Building Future-Ready Ports

Expressing satisfaction over these achievements, Hon’ble Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal lauded the dedication of all stakeholders and emphasized the transformative leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The Ministry’s collaborative initiatives with port authorities, private players, and investors have not only modernized the sector but positioned India as a credible contender in the global logistics arena.

The government remains committed to future-ready ports that are:

• Digitally integrated through Port Community Systems.

• Mechanized and automated for quicker cargo movement.

• Environmentally sustainable, aligned with green port guidelines.

• Economically inclusive, through investments in coastal development and job creation.

Looking Ahead: Driving India’s Maritime Growth

As India strengthens its global trade footprint, the role of Major Ports will become even more central. Future plans focus on:

• Expansion of multimodal logistics connectivity.

• Further integration with inland waterways and rail networks.

• Boosting port-based economic zones (PBZs).

• Accelerated adoption of green technologies and automation.

FY 2024-25 serves as a strong foundation for the next phase of India's maritime journey—an era marked by competitiveness, sustainability, and digital excellence in port operations.