India's major ports hit 915.17 MMT throughput for FY 2025-26 in National Maritime Day milestone

In a major boost for India's maritime sector on the occasion of National Maritime Day, its 13 major ports together logged a record 915.17 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo handled in FY 2025-26, surpassing the annual target of 904 MMT.

This marks a year-on-year growth of 7.06 per cent, which is testament to the sector's strong recovery, enhanced efficiency, and sustained growth trajectory despite geopolitical constraints. 

It is also seen as a major step towards India’s goal of becoming a major maritime superpower by 2047, in line with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

The top contributor to this record output has been the Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat, which has dethroned the Paradip Port in Odisha after two years to grab the top spot among the country's major ports.

The Deendayal Port on Wednesday became the first major port in India to handle 160.11 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2025-26.

This is 3.66 MMT more than the Paradip Port, which logged in 156.45 MMT over the same period.

In terms of growth rate, the Mormugao Port in Goa recorded the highest increase at 15.91 per cent, followed by the Kolkata Dock System—a major part of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK)—at 14.28 per cent and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port at 10.74 per cent.

"We are building world-class port infrastructure, improving efficiency, and enabling seamless logistics to support India’s growing economy," Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, said in a statement.

What makes this achievement doubly significant is the fact that it was released on the occasion of National Maritime Day, celebrated annually on April 5.

The significance of this day dates back to 1919, when the Indian-owned ship SS Loyalty made its first-ever voyage from Mumbai (then Bombay) to London. The ship was owned by the Scindia Steam Navigation Company—one of the earliest companies to operate in this sector.

This was a landmark moment during colonial times in India, as it marked the beginning of the country's shipping industry start to develop its own identity.

More than a century later, National Maritime Day remains an enduring reminder of how India's maritime past laid the foundation for the formidable sector it is now, that contributes significantly to India's GDP.