India’s Major Ports have achieved historic operational and infrastructural milestones in FY25, making substantial progress in boosting cargo handling capabilities, attracting private investments, and enhancing India’s global trade competitiveness. The year has been marked by significant expansions in throughput, efficiency improvements, and policy-backed port-led industrialisation.

In FY25, India’s Major Ports collectively handled around 855 million tonnes of cargo, representing a 4.3% year-on-year growth compared to 819 million tonnes in FY24. This growth can be attributed to strategic enhancements across the port ecosystem, with notable increases in container throughput (10%), fertilizer cargo (13%), and Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) cargo (3%). These growth segments underline India's rising trade demand and the robustness of port infrastructure to handle diversified cargo.

Leading the performance charts were Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), each crossing the 150-million-tonne cargo handling benchmark for the first time in history. In addition, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) set a new record by handling 7.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs)—a 13.5% increase over the previous year. These achievements not only reflect operational excellence but also confirm the ports' growing role in supporting India’s export-import (EXIM) cargo movement.

A critical element of FY25 success was the allocation of 962 acres for port-led industrialisation, aimed at catalysing economic activity and manufacturing near port zones. This initiative is projected to generate Rs. 7,565 crore (US$ 887.80 million) in economic value and is expected to attract future investments worth Rs. 68,780 crore (US$ 8.07 billion). These figures underline the strategic alignment of port development with India’s broader industrial and trade goals.

Public-private partnership (PPP) played a pivotal role in driving this transformation. Investments in PPP projects tripled from Rs. 1,329 crore (US$ 155.96 million) in FY23 to Rs. 3,986 crore (US$ 467.78 million) in FY25. This rise in private participation demonstrates growing investor confidence in the port sector, as well as the government's success in creating an enabling policy framework.

Operational efficiency has been another cornerstone of FY25 achievements. One of the most notable improvements has been the 36% reduction in Pre-Berthing Detention (PBD) time, which directly boosts ship turnaround times and reduces logistics costs. This efficiency gain is a result of better scheduling, infrastructure upgrades, and digitisation across several major ports.

Financially, the total income generated by Major Ports rose by 8% to Rs. 24,203 crore (US$ 2.84 billion), highlighting the revenue impact of increased cargo volumes and better service delivery. The revenue trajectory is consistent with the ten-year trend, during which cargo volumes rose from 581 million tonnes in FY15 to 855 million tonnes in FY25, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%.

Among cargo categories, containerised cargo has seen a 70% increase over the last decade, demonstrating India’s strengthening role in global container logistics. Moreover, conventional cargoes like coal, fertilizers, and iron ore have also registered healthy growth, reinforcing the balanced cargo mix handled by Indian ports.

These achievements by India’s Major Ports signify more than just numbers—they reflect the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ long-term commitment to creating world-class port infrastructure. From deploying smart logistics solutions to deepening port channels, and from fostering PPP investments to developing port-adjacent industrial corridors, every initiative is designed to support India’s ambitious trade goals.

The focus on digitalisation and automation has also contributed to improved port performance. Ports have adopted advanced systems for cargo tracking, documentation, and customs clearance, further reducing delays and improving transparency. These initiatives are in line with the government’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ agenda, particularly in logistics and shipping.

Moreover, green port initiatives are gaining traction. Several ports are transitioning to shore power supply, LNG bunkering, and solar energy usage, aligning with India’s climate goals and sustainability targets. These forward-looking measures are essential as the global shipping industry undergoes decarbonisation.

The ports' success in FY25 also sets the stage for the implementation of PM Gati Shakti, India’s national master plan for multimodal infrastructure. Integrating ports with railways, highways, and inland waterways ensures seamless cargo movement across modes, reducing costs and improving turnaround times.

To summarise, the performance of India’s Major Ports in FY25 has been exceptional across all fronts:

• Record-breaking cargo volumes supported by infrastructure upgrades

• Significant private investments through public-private partnerships

• Efficiency gains that enhance India’s global trade positioning

With initiatives like industrial land allocation, logistics corridors, and smart port development, India is well on its path to becoming a global maritime hub. As India eyes a $5 trillion economy, the ports sector—empowered by FY25 performance metrics—will play a central role in trade, industrial growth, and international logistics.

In conclusion, FY25 has proven to be a watershed year for India's port ecosystem. With momentum in cargo growth, infrastructure advancement, policy reforms, and private sector enthusiasm, India’s Major Ports are not just keeping up with global standards—they are setting new benchmarks in maritime excellence.

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