Major Seaports in India
India’s maritime history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of trade routes and seafaring activities as early as the Indus Valley Civilization. Ports like Lothal in Gujarat were bustling trade hubs. India has an extensive coastline of over 7,500 kilometers and is blessed with some of the busiest and most significant sea ports. These major seaports in India serve as vital gateways for international trade, connecting India to global markets and facilitating the country’s economic growth.
State | Major Port |
Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Port Blair Port |
Andhra Pradesh | Visakhapatnam Port |
Gujarat | Kandla (Deendayal Port Trust) |
Mundra Port | |
Karnataka | Mangalore Port |
Kerala | Cochin Port |
Maharashtra | Mumbai Port |
Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust) | |
Odisha | Paradip Port |
Tamil Nadu | Chennai Port |
Ennore (Kamarajar Port Limited) | |
Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar Port Trust) | |
West Bengal | Shyama Prasad Mookherjee Port |
1. Mumbai Port:
- History: Established in the 17th century by the British, Mumbai Port is one of India’s oldest and most significant ports.
- Significance: As the largest port in India by volume, Mumbai Port handles a significant portion of the country’s cargo traffic. It is a major gateway for petroleum products, textiles, and manufactured goods.
2. Chennai Port:
- History: Opened in 1881, Chennai Port is one of the oldest and second largest port in India.
- Significance: It serves as a crucial hub for trade in automobiles, machinery, and general industrial cargo. The port is strategically important for the economic development of Tamil Nadu and the surrounding regions.
3. Kolkata Port:
- History: Also known as the Port of Kolkata, it was established by the British East India Company in 1870. It is officially also known as the Shayama Prasad Mookherjee Port.
- Significance: It is the oldest operating port in India and serves as a major trade and logistics hub for the eastern and northeastern parts of the country. The port specializes in handling jute, tea, coal, and steel. It has two dock systems at Kolkata and Haldia.
4. Visakhapatnam Port:
- History: Commissioned in 1933, Visakhapatnam Port is one of the leading ports on the eastern coast of India.
- Significance: Known for handling iron ore, coal, and other bulk cargo, Visakhapatnam Port is essential for the industrial sectors in Andhra Pradesh and neighboring states.
5. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT):
- History: Opened in 1989, JNPT is also known as Nhava Sheva and is located in Navi Mumbai.
- Significance: As the largest container port in India, JNPT handles the majority of the country’s containerized cargo. It plays a critical role in facilitating India’s external trade.
6. Mormugao Port:
- History: Operational since 1885, Mormugao Port is located in Goa.
- Significance: It is a major iron ore exporting port, serving the mining industry in Goa and Karnataka. The port also supports the tourism industry by facilitating cruise liners.
7. Paradeep Port:
- History: Established in 1966, Paradeep Port is located in Odisha.
- Significance: It handles a diverse range of cargo, including iron ore, coal, and fertilizers. Paradeep Port is crucial for the industrial and agricultural sectors in the eastern regions of India.
Significance of Sea Ports in India
- Economic Growth: Sea ports are pivotal to India’s economic development, handling about 95% of the country’s trade by volume. They facilitate the import and export of goods, driving industrial and commercial activities.
- Employment Generation: Ports create numerous job opportunities, directly and indirectly, contributing to the livelihood of millions of people.
- Industrial Development: Ports act as catalysts for industrialization by providing essential infrastructure for the transport of raw materials and finished products.
- Global Trade Links: India’s ports connect the country to international markets, enhancing trade relations and contributing to the global economy.
- Strategic Importance: Ports also hold strategic importance for national security and defense, enabling the movement of military equipment and personnel.
