India’s 12 major ports witnessed a 5% growth in cargo volume, reaching 413.74 million metric tonnes (MMT) in September 2024, as reported by the government. This growth signals robust performance in the maritime sector, emphasizing the significance of ports in supporting India’s trade and economic activities. These ports, crucial for handling imports and exports, play a pivotal role in maintaining the country’s supply chains and logistics networks.

The rise in cargo volume reflects improved port efficiency and an increase in global trade, driven by strong demand for goods across various sectors. Among the major commodities handled were petroleum products, coal, iron ore, and containers, all of which contributed significantly to the overall cargo movement. This growth is expected to further bolster the government’s vision of transforming India into a logistics hub, with ongoing infrastructure upgrades enhancing the capacity and efficiency of these ports.

The 12 major ports—Mumbai, Kandla, Chennai, Kolkata, and others—form the backbone of India’s maritime infrastructure. Their collective performance is a key indicator of the health of the shipping and logistics industries in the country. The government's continued investment in port modernization and digitalization initiatives has also played a role in enhancing port productivity.

The sustained cargo growth highlights the increasing importance of ports in facilitating international trade, driving economic growth, and connecting India to global markets. As cargo volumes continue to rise, the maritime sector is poised to expand further, with additional improvements in port infrastructure expected to enhance the handling capacity and efficiency of India's major ports, boosting their role in the global supply chain.