India's maritime infrastructure plays a crucial role in its economic growth and global trade engagement. With a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometers, the country is home to 13 major ports that handle a significant portion of its cargo traffic. As of 2025, The Trade Vision these ports continue to serve as the backbone of India’s import-export industry, logistics, and regional development.

This article offers a comprehensive list of major ports in India for 2025, along with key insights into their operations, modernization, and strategic relevance.

List of Major Ports in India (2025)

India's major ports are managed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and are categorized based on their location along the east and west coasts:

West Coast Ports:

1. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), Maharashtra

   • Also known as: Nhava Sheva

   • Specialty: India’s largest container port

   • Key Insight: Handles over 6 million TEUs annually; integrated with Western DFC

2. Mumbai Port, Maharashtra

   • Specialty: General cargo and liquid bulk

   • Key Insight: One of the oldest ports, now focusing on cruise tourism and infrastructure renewal

3. Mormugao Port, Goa

   • Specialty: Iron ore export

   • Key Insight: Transitioning to multi-commodity handling with modernized berths

4. New Mangalore Port, Karnataka

   • Specialty: Petroleum products, fertilizers, edible oil

   • Key Insight: Focused on hinterland connectivity and coastal shipping

5. Cochin Port, Kerala

   • Specialty: Container, liquid cargo, and cruise traffic

   • Key Insight: Hosts Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT)

6. Kandla Port (Deendayal Port), Gujarat

   • Specialty: Dry cargo and crude imports

   • Key Insight: Major gateway for northern and western hinterlands

East Coast Ports:

1. Chennai Port, Tamil Nadu

   • Specialty: Containers, automobiles, and general cargo

   • Key Insight: India’s second busiest container port, strong automotive export hub

2. Ennore Port (Kamarajar Port), Tamil Nadu

   • Specialty: Coal, LNG, and automobiles

   • Key Insight: India’s first corporatized port, focused on clean cargo

3. Visakhapatnam Port, Andhra Pradesh

   • Specialty: Iron ore, coal, and petroleum

   • Key Insight: Strong performance in bulk cargo and modernization projects

4. Paradip Port, Odisha

   • Specialty: Thermal coal and crude oil

   • Key Insight: Eastern India’s busiest port; expanding container and coastal cargo capabilities

5. Kolkata Port (Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port), West Bengal

   • Specialty: General cargo, containers, and riverine logistics

   • Key Insight: Oldest operational port; includes Haldia Dock Complex

6. Tuticorin Port (V.O. Chidambaranar Port), Tamil Nadu

   • Specialty: Containers, salt, and fertilizers

   • Key Insight: Emerging transshipment hub; key for southern hinterland trade

7. Port Blair Port, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

   • Specialty: Strategic military and cargo port

   • Key Insight: Plays a strategic role in security and Indo-Pacific logistics

Key Developments in 2025

Modernization and Capacity Expansion

• Several ports have undergone significant upgrades under the Sagarmala and Maritime India Vision 2030 initiatives.

• Focus areas include digitization, green energy adoption, mechanization, and container terminal expansion.

Private Sector Participation

• Public-private partnerships (PPP) are driving efficiency and investment, especially in container and bulk terminals.

Multimodal Integration

• Enhanced connectivity with Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) and inland waterways ensures faster and cost-effective cargo movement.

Sustainability Initiatives

• Indian ports are increasingly focusing on zero-emission targets, shore power solutions, and eco-friendly cargo handling.

Conclusion

India's 13 major ports are not just maritime gateways—they are engines of trade, economic growth, and strategic influence. In 2025, these ports continue to evolve with cutting-edge infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and sustainable practices. Whether it’s the Major Ports India bustling container traffic at JNPT or the strategic location of Paradip and Chennai, each port plays a vital role in propelling India's journey as a global trade hub. As policy reforms and investments accelerate, these ports are set to anchor India’s maritime future well into the next decade.