India’s maritime sector is a cornerstone of its economic engine, enabling the smooth flow of imports and exports that support The Trade Vision industries, agriculture, and millions of livelihoods. As the country sets its sights on becoming a global manufacturing and trade powerhouse, its port infrastructure remains a key area of focus. Understanding the number and role of India’s major ports in 2025 offers a glimpse into how prepared the nation is to meet rising global trade demands.
How Many Major Ports Does India Have in 2025?
In 2025, India has a total of 13 major ports, strategically located along its vast coastline of over 7,500 kilometers. These ports are governed by the central government through various Port Trusts and Authorities under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Here is the list of India’s major ports in 2025:
- Kandla Port (Deendayal Port Authority) – Gujarat
- Mumbai Port – Maharashtra
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA or Nhava Sheva) – Maharashtra
- Mormugao Port – Goa
- New Mangalore Port – Karnataka
- Cochin Port – Kerala
- Paradip Port – Odisha
- Visakhapatnam Port – Andhra Pradesh
- Chennai Port – Tamil Nadu
- Kamarajar Port (Ennore Port) – Tamil Nadu
- V.O. Chidambaranar Port (Tuticorin Port) – Tamil Nadu
- Kolkata Port (Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port) – West Bengal
- Port Blair Port – Andaman Nicobar Islands
These ports handle the majority of India’s sea-borne trade, accounting for about 70% of trade value and nearly 95% of trade volume.
Key Developments Shaping 2025
While the number of major ports remains unchanged, the sector’s transformation lies in capacity upgrades, technological improvements, and sustainability efforts:
- Capacity Enhancement: Expansion projects like additional container terminals, deeper berths, and improved storage facilities are increasing the cargo handling capability of existing ports.
- Smart Port Solutions: Many ports are embracing automation, real-time tracking, digital documentation, and integrated logistics systems to speed up operations and reduce costs.
- Connectivity Improvements: Major ports are increasingly linked to Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) and multimodal logistics hubs, ensuring efficient movement of goods between ports and inland markets.
- Green Ports: Sustainability initiatives — from shore power to electrified cranes and renewable energy usage — are aligning ports with global climate goals.
The Bigger Picture
India’s focus on port modernization is a critical part of the Sagarmala Programme, which aims to unlock the full economic potential of the country’s coastline and waterways. By enhancing port capacity and efficiency, India hopes to reduce logistics costs, boost exports, attract investment, and generate jobs.
Challenges and Opportunities
Key challenges include upgrading legacy infrastructure, ensuring timely clearances for expansion projects, securing funding, and developing a skilled workforce to operate smart port systems. However, ongoing public-private partnerships and policy reforms are paving the way for a resilient and future-ready port network.
Conclusion
In 2025, India’s 13 major ports stand as vital gateways connecting the nation to the global market. With sustained investments in Major Ports In India 2025 expansion, digitization, and sustainability, these ports are set to support India’s ambition of becoming a leading maritime and economic powerhouse in the years ahead.
