Major ports retain dominant share with 53.52% of India’s cargo in FY 2024–25

NEW DELHI : Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, informed in a written reply to the Lok Sabha that, India’s maritime sector has recorded robust growth over the past decade, with both Major Ports and Other Than Major Ports (OTMPs) witnessing significant increases in cargo handling volumes.

Cargo handled by Major Ports rose from 581.34 million metric tonnes (MMT) in Financial Year (FY) 2014–15 to 854.86 MMT in FY 2024–25, reflecting sustained expansion in capacity, efficiency, and infrastructure. During the same period, cargo handled by OTMPs increased from 470.89 MMT to 742.41 MMT.

In FY 2024–25, Major Ports accounted for 53.52% of the total cargo handled across the country, reaffirming their dominant position in India’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.

The growth trajectory has been supported by a series of policy reforms in the Ports, Shipping and Waterways sector aimed at fostering a level playing field. The Government has introduced measures promoting open competition and transparent auction methodologies, enabling all market participants to compete freely for terminals, berths, and other port facilities under the framework of the Central Government and the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021.

The Model Concessionaire Agreement (MCA), 2021, further ensures equal opportunities for stakeholders through a transparent bidding process. In addition, the provision for 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector has attracted both domestic and international investors, strengthening capital inflows and technological advancement.

The Government continues to promote the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model through a collaborative approach, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, boosting productivity, and modernizing India’s maritime infrastructure.