In 2024, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing the 10 million TEU capacity, marking a major milestone in India’s logistics and trade. This accomplishment is a part of India’s broader plan to improve trade efficiency under the Gati Shakti framework. With a utilization rate exceeding 90%, JNPT continues to lead as India’s largest container port, handling more than 55% of the nation’s container traffic. The expansion of key infrastructure, such as the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal’s second phase, is set to further boost the port’s capabilities.
Context
Jawaharlal Nehru Port has achieved important progress by moving more than 10 million maritime shipping containers. India follows the Gati Shakti plan as this achievement supports its trade efficiency and logistics improvement objectives.
Major Highlights
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In 2024 – services delivered 7.05 million shipping containers and facility utilization rate above 90%.
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Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT) second phase comes online with a new 2.4 million TEU handling capacity.
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Through 2022 National Logistics Policy – Union Cabinet aims to decrease logistics expenses and resolve supply chain issues while building one integrated technology system.
Expansion Projects
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₹2,000 crore push to expand port capacity through the building of Agro Processing and storage facilities.
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Rs 284 crore agro facility to process 1.2 million tons per year to boost agricultural product movement from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
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Rs 300 crore investment into temperature-controlled and ambient warehouse facilities aims expansion in storage capacity for 120000 TEUs annually.
Strategic Vision
Capacity upgrade matches PM Modi's plan to increase India's port standing in the global market while maximizing resources to boost national economic growth.
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JNPA's Special Economic Zone (SEZ) generated total investments worth ₹1,700 crore and already received funds amounting to ₹623 crore for industrial and trade development.
Major Ports in India
|
S.No. |
Port Name |
State |
Remark |
|
1. |
Deendayal Port (Kandla Port) |
Gujarat |
A satellite port (one that already exists or has been created near a port reaching capacity) is proposed between Tuna-Tekra and Kandla Creek. |
|
2. |
Mumbai Port Trust |
Mumbai |
Serves as a gateway for trade in western and central India. |
|
3. |
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) |
Mumbai |
India's largest container port, handling over 55% of the country's container traffic |
|
4. |
Port of Mormugao |
Goa |
Originally developed for iron ore exports. First Indian port listed on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) in October 2023 |
|
5. |
New Mangalore Port |
Karnataka |
Established in 1975, it is the only major port in Karnataka |
|
6. |
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (Kolkata Port) |
West Bengal |
India's oldest operating port and the only major riverine port in the country. |
|
7. |
Kochi (Cochin) Port |
Kerala |
India’s largest International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) and the Vallarpadam Terminal for enhanced cargo handling. |
|
8. |
Chennai Port |
Tamil Nadu |
Established in 1881, is the second-largest container port in India, strategically located on the east coast. |
|
9. |
Kamarajar Port (Ennore Port) |
Tamil Nadu |
India's first corporatized major port. |
|
10. |
Paradip Port |
Odisha |
Paradip Port, a key deep-water port in Odisha, lies at the Mahanadi-Bay of Bengal confluence. As of FY 2023-24, Paradip Port achieved a record cargo throughput surpassing Deendayal Port in Gujarat and establishing itself as India's largest major port |
|
11. |
Visakhapatnam Port |
Andhra Pradesh |
one of India's busiest ports. Originally built to export manganese ore |
|
12. |
Tuticorin Port |
Tamil Nadu |
second-largest port in Tamil Nadu and the third-largest container terminal in India. Named after V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, a renowned freedom fighter and maritime pioneer, the port honors his legacy as "Kappalottiya Thamizhan" (The Tamilian man who rode the ship). |
|
13. |
Vadhavan Port (Under construction) |
Maharastra |
Located in Palghar, Maharashtra, approximately 100 km north of Mumbai, the port was recently (2024) approved and will become one of India’s largest upon its completion |
Conclusion
JNP emerges as a top global trade competitor with efforts of improved logistics services that make India stronger in worldwide markets. The port zone updates and infrastructure investments create a business environment that sustainably supports the efficient trade functions of tomorrow.
