India’s extensive coastline of over 7,500 km supports a robust maritime trade network, handling 95% of the country’s trade by volume and 70% by value. With 13 major ports and over 200 minor ports, India’s seaports are vital economic engines. This article highlights the top 10 biggest sea ports in India by cargo volume, details how to reach them, and dives deep into Mundra Port, the country’s largest commercial port, as of April 2025.
Top 10 Biggest Sea Ports in India
Below is a list of India’s top 10 sea ports, ranked by cargo handling capacity and significance, based on recent data:
- Mundra Port, Gujarat
- Cargo Handled (FY 2024–25): ~200.7 million metric tonnes (MMT)
- Key Features: India’s largest private and commercial port, operated by Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ). It handles containers, coal, liquid bulk, and automobiles, with a capacity of 338 MMT annually. It’s the world’s largest coal import terminal and manages 33% of India’s container traffic.
- Significance: Connects northern hinterlands (Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh) to global markets. Ranked 32nd globally for container handling (~5.7 million TEUs).
- Deendayal Port (Kandla), Gujarat
- Cargo Handled: ~137 MMT (2022–23)
- Key Features: A major port in the Gulf of Kutch, handling crude oil, petroleum, food grains, and chemicals. It’s a trade-free zone and one of India’s busiest ports.
- Significance: Serves as a gateway for trade with the Middle East and Pakistan.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Maharashtra
- Cargo Handled: ~85 MMT (2022–23)
- Key Features: India’s largest container port, handling 55% of national container traffic. Located in Navi Mumbai, it has advanced terminals and connectivity to 200 international ports.
- Significance: A hub for Maharashtra, Gujarat, and central India, with plans to expand capacity to 10 MMT.
- Visakhapatnam Port, Andhra Pradesh
- Cargo Handled: ~81.09 MMT (2022–23)
- Key Features: A deep-water port with 26 berths, handling coal, steel, and containers (~0.5 million TEUs in 2022). It’s India’s deepest landlocked port.
- Significance: Supports trade with China and Southeast Asia, serving central and southern India.
- Mumbai Port, Maharashtra
- Cargo Handled: ~62 MMT (2022)
- Key Features: India’s largest port by size, spread over 46.3 hectares, with a natural deep-water harbor. Handles textiles, machinery, and petroleum.
- Significance: A historic port (est. 1873) and gateway for western India.
- Chennai Port, Tamil Nadu
- Cargo Handled: ~50 MMT (2022)
- Key Features: A major east coast port handling automobiles, coal, and fertilizers. Contributes 18.6% of India’s container traffic.
- Significance: A key trade hub for southern India since 1881, with strong rail and road links.
- Paradip Port, Odisha
- Cargo Handled: ~150 MMT capacity
- Key Features: Handles iron ore, coal, and bulk cargo. It’s the second-highest in cargo capacity after Mundra.
- Significance: Serves eastern India’s mining and industrial belts.
- Cochin Port, Kerala
- Cargo Handled: ~35 MMT (2022–23)
- Key Features: Features India’s largest International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT). Exports seafood, spices, and rubber.
- Significance: Connects the Indian Ocean and Laccadive Sea, supporting Kerala’s trade.
- Mormugao Port, Goa
- Cargo Handled: ~17.68 MMT (2022–23)
- Key Features: Specializes in iron ore exports, with a natural harbor and growing container traffic (~0.003 million TEUs in 2023).
- Significance: A vital export hub for Goa’s mining industry.
- New Mangalore Port, Karnataka
- Cargo Handled: ~40 MMT (2022–23)
- Key Features: Handles petroleum, coal, and coffee exports. An all-weather port with deep drafts.
- Significance: Serves Karnataka’s industrial and agricultural sectors.
How to Reach India’s Major Sea Ports
Here’s how to travel to these key ports from major cities, focusing on accessibility for business travelers, tourists, or logistics professionals:
- Mundra Port, Gujarat
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuj Airport (65 km, ~1.5 hours), with flights from Mumbai (~1 hour, ₹5,000–₹8,000) and Delhi (~2 hours, ₹7,000–₹12,000). Mundra Airport is under development to become an international cargo hub.
- By Train: Mundra Railway Station connects to the Mundra-Adipur line, integrated with Indian Railways. Trains like the Kutch Express from Mumbai (16 hours, ~₹600–₹2,000) or Delhi (20 hours, ₹800–₹3,000) reach Gandhidham (50 km away), followed by a 1-hour cab ride (₹1,000).
- By Road: From Ahmedabad (330 km), take NH 8A Extn (6–7 hours). Buses from Ahmedabad (₹500–₹1,000) or private cabs (₹6,000) are available. The port is well-linked to the northern hinterland via rail and road.
- Local Transport: Autos (₹100–₹200) or cabs (₹500/day) for short trips around Mundra.
- Deendayal Port (Kandla), Gujarat
- By Air: Bhuj Airport (90 km, ~2 hours) or Kandla Airport (10 km, limited flights).
- By Train: Gandhidham Junction (13 km) connects to Mumbai (₹600, 15 hours) and Delhi (₹800, 18 hours).
- By Road: From Ahmedabad (350 km, 7 hours) via NH 27; buses (₹500) or cabs (~₹6,500).
- JNPT, Maharashtra
- By Air: Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport (40 km, ~1 hour). Flights from Delhi (~2 hours, ₹5,000–₹10,000).
- By Train: Panvel Station (15 km) connects to Mumbai (₹50, 1 hour) and Delhi (₹800, 20 hours).
- By Road: From Mumbai (40 km, 1 hour) via NH 48; cabs (₹1,000) or buses (~₹200).
- Visakhapatnam Port, Andhra Pradesh
- By Air: Visakhapatnam Airport (12 km, ~30 minutes). Flights from Delhi (~2.5 hours, ₹6,000–₹12,000).
- By Train: Visakhapatnam Station (5 km) connects to Chennai (₹500, 12 hours) and Kolkata (~₹600, 14 hours).
- By Road: From Hyderabad (620 km, 12 hours) via NH 16; buses (₹1,000).
- Mumbai Port, Maharashtra
- By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport (20 km, ~45 minutes).
- By Train: Mumbai Central (~5 km) connects to all major cities.
- By Road: Located in south Mumbai, accessible via local taxis (~₹200–₹500).
- Chennai Port, Tamil Nadu
- By Air: Chennai Airport (20 km, ~40 minutes). Flights from Bengaluru (~1 hour, ₹3,000–₹6,000).
- By Train: Chennai Central (5 km) connects to Hyderabad (₹500, 12 hours).
- By Road: From Bengaluru (350 km, 7 hours) via NH 48; buses (₹600).
- Paradip Port, Odisha
- By Air: Bhubaneswar Airport (120 km, ~3 hours). Flights from Delhi (~2 hours, ₹6,000).
- By Train: Paradip Station (5 km) connects to Kolkata (₹400, 8 hours).
- By Road: From Bhubaneswar via NH 16 (~₹2,000 cab).
- Cochin Port, Kerala
- By Air: Cochin Airport (40 km, ~1 hour). Flights from Mumbai (~2 hours, ₹5,000).
- By Train: Ernakulam Junction (10 km) connects to Bengaluru (₹500, 12 hours).
- By Road: From Kochi city (~₹300 taxi).
- Mormugao Port, Goa
- By Air: Goa Airport (35 km, ~1 hour). Flights from Delhi (~2.5 hours, ₹7,000).
- By Train: Vasco da Gama Station (5 km) connects to Mumbai (₹600, 12 hours).
- By Road: From Panaji (30 km, ~₹800 cab).
- New Mangalore Port, Karnataka
- By Air: Mangalore Airport (20 km, ~40 minutes). Flights from Bengaluru (~1 hour, ₹4,000).
- By Train: Mangalore Central (15 km) connects to Chennai (₹600, 16 hours).
- By Road: From Bengaluru (350 km, 7 hours) via NH 75; buses (₹700).
Budget Tip: Trains are the cheapest for long distances (book via IRCTC 60 days in advance). For short trips, use Ola/Uber or state buses. Flights are faster but pricier; check MakeMyTrip for deals.
Spotlight on Mundra Port
Mundra Port, located in Kutch, Gujarat, on the northern shores of the Gulf of Kutch, is India’s flagship maritime hub. Operated by Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ), it’s a private port and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), incorporated in 1998 as Gujarat Adani Port Limited (GAPL). Operations began in 2001, and it was renamed Mundra Port and SEZ Limited in 2006 before becoming APSEZ in 2012. Here’s why Mundra stands out:
Key Features
- Capacity and Infrastructure: Handles 338 MMT annually, with 24 berths (10 dry bulk, 3 liquid bulk, 6 container, 3 mechanized import, 2 SPM for crude oil). It has 4 container terminals (7.5 million TEUs) and the world’s largest coal import terminal (~40 MMT).
- Cargo Diversity: Manages containers, coal, crude oil, automobiles, liquid bulk, and bitumen. It’s India’s only port handling bulk bitumen with a 4.63 lakh KL tank farm.
- Automobile Hub: Since 2009, its Roll On–Roll Off (RO-RO) terminal exports cars, buses, and trucks, with a unique floating pontoon for tide-free operations.
- Connectivity: Linked to northern India via the Mundra-Adipur railway (since 2001) and NH 8A Extn. Double-stacked trains ensure fast container evacuation.
- SEZ Benefits: Spanning 84 km², the port-based SEZ supports industries like engineering, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agri-processing, serving two-thirds of India’s GDP hinterland.
- Recent Milestone: In FY25, Mundra became the first Indian port to handle 200.7 MMT, cementing its global rank.
Economic Impact
- Jobs: Generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boosting Kutch’s economy.
- Trade: Handles 20% of India’s foreign exchange and supports trade corridors like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
- Global Reach: Part of the Maritime Silk Road, connecting China to Europe via Mundra. Over 35 shipping services offer global trade lane coverage.
Challenges
- Environmental Concerns: Coal handling raises pollution issues, though APSEZ complies with MARPOL guidelines.
- Congestion: High traffic requires ongoing dredging and berth expansion (approved for 45,000 crore to double capacity to 514 MMT).
How to Reach Mundra Port
- From Ahmedabad:
- Flight: Fly to Bhuj (1 hour, ₹5,000), then drive 65 km (~₹1,500 cab).
- Train: Take the Sayaji Express to Gandhidham (7 hours, ₹300–₹1,000), then a 1-hour cab (₹1,000).
- Bus/Car: NH 27 (330 km, 6–7 hours); buses (₹500) or cabs (₹6,000).
- From Mumbai:
- Flight: Mumbai to Bhuj (1.5 hours, ₹6,000), then 1.5-hour drive.
- Train: Kutch Express to Gandhidham (16 hours, ~₹600–₹2,000).
- Road: NH 48 to Ahmedabad, then NH 27 (850 km, ~16 hours, ~₹15,000 cab).
- Local Access: Mundra town is 5 km from the port; use autos (₹100) or cabs (₹300). The port’s EDI system aids logistics planning.
Travel Tip: Book trains early via IRCTC for savings. For business visits, contact Mundra Port’s single-window service for berthing and cargo details (+91-2838-255000).
Why India’s Ports Matter
India’s sea ports drive 4% of GDP and support industries like steel, automobiles, and aquaculture (India ranks top 5 globally in fish production). Projects like Sagarmala and Maritime India Vision 2030 aim to boost capacity to 2,200 MMTPA by 2030, with investments in dredging, freight corridors, and green tech. Mundra Port leads this transformation, setting benchmarks for efficiency and scale.
However, challenges persist:
- Hinterland Connectivity: Poor roads and rail links increase costs (average ship turnaround: 2.2 days vs. global ~1 day).
- Regulatory Delays: Customs and environmental clearances slow operations.
- Environmental Impact: Ports face scrutiny for marine pollution, requiring sustainable practices.
Conclusion
India’s top sea ports, from Mundra to New Mangalore, are the backbone of its trade, connecting the peninsula to global markets. Mundra Port stands tall as the largest, with unmatched infrastructure and connectivity, making it a gateway for northern India. Whether you’re a trader visiting JNPT, a tourist near Mumbai Port, or a logistics manager heading to Mundra, India’s ports are accessible by air, rail, and road. Plan your trip with early bookings and leverage projects like Udaipur’s rail upgrades for faster inland travel.
For more details on Mundra Port, visit www.adaniports.com or contact their helpline. Share your port travel tips below, and let’s sail toward a connected India!
FAQs About India’s Sea Ports
Q1: Which is India’s largest sea port?
A: Mundra Port, Gujarat, handling 200.7 MMT in FY25, is the largest by cargo volume.
Q2: How do I reach Mundra Port from Delhi?
A: Fly to Bhuj (2 hours, ₹7,000), then drive 65 km (~₹1,500); or take a train to Gandhidham (20 hours, ₹800–₹3,000), then a 1-hour cab (₹1,000).
Q3: What cargo does Mundra Port handle?
A: Containers, coal, crude oil, automobiles, liquid bulk, and bitumen, with a capacity of 338 MMT.
Q4: Which port handles the most containers?
A: JNPT, Maharashtra, handles 55% of India’s container traffic.
Q5: Are India’s ports eco-friendly?
A: Ports like Mundra follow MARPOL guidelines, but coal and oil handling raise concerns. Green initiatives are part of Maritime India Vision 2030.