Smaller state-owned ports lead India’s cargo growth in FY26 H1
NEW DELHI : India’s lesser-known state-owned ports are emerging as the surprise performers this fiscal year, riding on infrastructure upgrades, improved connectivity, and resilient demand for key commodities.
As per data from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the 12 major ports collectively handled 437.43 million tonnes (mt) of cargo during the first half of FY26 — a 5.75% increase over 413.65 mt handled in the same period last year.
Overseas cargo rose 5.2% to 336.47 mt, while coastal shipments surged 7.6% to 100.97 mt. Among commodity groups, fertiliser imports more than doubled (up 108%), container volumes expanded 13.9%, and POL (petroleum, oil, and lubricants) maintained a dominant 29% share, growing 6.4% year-on-year.
Smaller Ports Outpace the Big Hubs
While Paradip, Deendayal (Kandla), and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) remained the top cargo handlers by volume, smaller ports like Mormugao, Chennai, and New Mangalore posted the most notable growth rates.
Mormugao: +14.5%
Chennai: +8%
New Mangalore: +7.26%
Experts attribute this growth to targeted commodity gains and operational efficiencies rather than a shift from the larger ports.
Infrastructure Investments and Policy Support Fuel Revival
Mormugao Port’s strong turnaround was driven by the resumption of coal handling following major investments in environment-friendly cargo enclosures and pollution control systems.
Chennai’s container volumes climbed 12% amid inventory build-up ahead of a possible tariff hike, while New Mangalore benefited from coastal cargo movement and a favourable base effect.
Fertiliser Imports Surge Amid Domestic Shortfall
Fertiliser imports saw a sharp 108% jump, largely due to weaker domestic output of diammonium phosphate (DAP).
Top Performing Ports in H1 FY26
Paradip Port – 76.78 mt
Deendayal (Kandla) – 74.37 mt
JNPT – 49.63 mt
Visakhapatnam – 43.09 mt
Mumbai – 35.15 mt
Momentum Picks Up in September
The upward trend strengthened in September 2025, with major ports handling 73.13 mt — up 11.5% year-on-year. Deendayal Port led the chart with 13.08 mt, followed by Paradip and JNPT, signalling continued revival in India’s maritime trade flows.