Total volume of cargo handled in ports across India FY 2008-2022

In fiscal year 2022, the ports across India handled more than 1.3 billion metric tons of cargo. Over the last decade, the volume of freight managed at the Indian ports observed steady growth despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in 2021. Overall, maritime transport was accountable for roughly 70 percent of trade by value and more than 95 percent by volume across the country.

Ports - the funnels of economic development

With a coastline spanning thousands of kilometers, India has one of the world’s largest peninsulas interspersed with numerous ports. It comes as no surprise that the country operates one of the leading merchant shipping fleets in the world. However, compared to other large countries, the Indian waterways remain highly under-utilized and have the potential to offer much more. As of the financial year 2020, India housed around 224 ports. Of the 229 ports in the country, only 12 were major ports.

Growing desire for goods handling

Like many other fast-growing economies of the world, India faces numerous challenges in meeting the ever-increasing demands of goods at its ports. However, for economic development, the country has kept pace with the growing cargo congestion. As of financial year 2020, the total cargo handling capacity for India's major ports was recorded at over 1.5 billion metric tons, over 70 percent increase from its handling ability in the fiscal year 2015. To keep up with the growing trade, the Indian government planned investment of 47 billion U.S. dollars for its port-related industrialization between fiscal years 2020 and 2025. Funds were allocated for improving the operational efficiency and connectivity as well.