India’s Major Ports Achieve Historic Milestones in FY 2024-25

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• In FY 2024-25, Major Ports registered an impressive annual growth rate of 4.3% in cargo handling, increasing from 819 million tonnes in FY 2023-24 to ~855 million tonnes in FY 2024-25.

About

• Average Turnaround Time (TRT) improved by 48%, reducing from 96 hours in FY 2014-15 to 49.5 hours in FY 2024-25.
• Major Ports’ financial performance has been equally impressive, with total income more than doubling over the past decade, registering a 7.5% CAGR over 10 years. 
• Operational efficiency also improved significantly, with the operating ratio declining from 64.7% in FY 2014-15 to 42.3% in FY 2024-25.
• Private sector participation has been instrumental in this transformation, with investments in PPP projects at Major Ports increasing threefold.

India’s Port Sector

• India has major ports (central government controlled) and minor ports (state government controlled).
  • 13 Major Ports
  • 217 Non-major (Minor/Intermediate) Ports
• The ports are managed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• Strategic Position: Located along the world’s busiest shipping routes, India is a key trading hub and a rising global power.
• India’s Maritime Sector Overview: Handles 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value, with port infrastructure critical to the economy.
• Port Ranking Improvement: India’s port ranking improved from 54th in 2014 to 38th in 2023, with nine Indian ports now in the top 100 globally.
• Growth in Cargo-handling: Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, major ports increased their annual cargo-handling capacity by 87.01%.
• Maritime Sector’s Importance: India is the 16th-largest maritime nation, occupies a key position in global shipping, with major trade routes passing through its waters.
• Future Goals: India has outlined investments of US$ 82 billion in port infrastructure projects by 2035 to bolster the maritime sector.
  • India plans to establish a new shipping company to expand its fleet by at least 1,000 ships within a decade. 

Challenges 

• Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate port infrastructure and outdated facilities at some ports, limiting capacity and efficiency.
• Congestion: High traffic volumes at major ports leading to delays, increased turnaround times, and reduced productivity.
• Environmental Concerns: Pollution and sustainability issues, including emissions from ships and port operations.
• Logistics Bottlenecks: Inefficient transport connectivity between ports, roads, and railways, impacting smooth cargo movement.
• Global Competition: Rising competition from other global maritime hubs, necessitating continuous investment and modernization.
• Port Security: Ports are vulnerable to smuggling, piracy, and terrorism. Security infrastructure is often inadequate.
• Cybersecurity: Increasing digitalization also raises concerns about cyber threats to port operations.

Initiatives by Government

• Sagarmala Programme: Focuses on leveraging India’s coastline and of navigable waterways.
  • Supports port infrastructure, coastal development, and connectivity.
  • Financial aid for projects like coastal berths, rail/road connectivity, fish harbours, cruise terminals.
• Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030): Aiming for India to become a top 10 shipbuilding nation by 2030 and create a world-class, efficient, and sustainable maritime ecosystem.
  • Includes 150+ initiatives across ten key maritime sectors.
• Inland Waterways Development: 26 new national waterways identified by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
  • Provides alternative, sustainable transport, easing road/rail congestion.
• Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP): Aims to replace fuel-based harbour tugs with eco-friendly, sustainable fuel-powered tugs.
  • Transition to be completed by 2040 across major ports.
• Sagarmanthan Dialogue: An annual maritime strategic dialogue to position India as a global center for maritime conversations.
• Maritime Development Fund: ₹25,000 crore fund for long-term financing to modernize ports and shipping infrastructure, encouraging private investment.
• Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP 2.0): Modernized to help Indian shipyards compete with global giants.

Way Ahead

• India’s Major Ports are now poised to take their competitiveness to the next level, supported by continuous investment in mechanisation, process reengineering, port community systems, and multi-modal logistics integration. 
• These initiatives have resulted in higher cargo volumes, reduced vessel wait times, optimized capacity utilization, and increased investor confidence.
• As India expands its global trade footprint and modernises logistics infrastructure, FY 2024-25 stands as a testament to the Ministry’s strategic vision and collaborative efforts of public authorities and private stakeholders. 

Source: PIB