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India is a nation
blessed with a vast coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometers, has emerged as
a key player in global maritime trade
Fueling this trade are
the numerous ports that dot the Indian coast, serving as crucial entry and exit
points for a wide range of import and export activities.
But within this
network, a specific group stands out for their size, capacity, and overall contribution
to the Indian economy: the Major Ports.
Major Ports: The Powerhouses of Indian Trade
There are currently 13 Major Ports in India, strategically
located along both the eastern and western coastlines.
These ports are under
the direct administration of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of
the Government of India, highlighting their national significance.
In contrast, over 200 minor ports, also known
as non-major ports, operate under the control of respective state governments
or private entities through Public Private Partnership (PPP) models.
Here's what differentiates Major Ports from their minor
Size and Infrastructure:Major Ports boast superior
infrastructure, including deeper channels, larger cargo handling capacities and
advanced technological advancements to facilitate efficient cargo movement.
● Traffic Volume:Major Ports handle a significantly higher
volume of cargo compared to minor ports.
They cater to large vessels carrying bulk
cargo, containerized goods, and specialized cargo like petroleum products.
● National Importance:Major Ports play a vital role in India's international
tradestrategy.
They handle a substantial portion of the
country's import and export needs, impacting various sectors like
manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.
Eastern Coast:
● Kolkata (West Bengal):The oldest operational port in India,
Kolkata serves as the gateway to eastern India and the Northeast. It is a major
center for coal, fertilizer, and containerized cargo movement.
● Paradip (Odisha):A prominent port for handling bulk cargo like
iron ore, coal, and crude oil, Paradip is strategically located to serve the
mineral-rich hinterland of Odisha.
● Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh):The largest port on
the eastern coast, Visakhapatnam handles a diverse cargo mix, including coal,
petroleum products, and container traffic. It is also a major center for
shipbuilding and repair.
● Chennai (Tamil Nadu):A prominent port for handling
containerized cargo, automobiles, and petroleum products, Chennai caters to
South India's trade needs.
● Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu):Located at the southern tip of the
Indian peninsula, Tuticorin is a major port for handling coal, minerals and
petroleum products. It is also emerging as a key center for container traffic.
● Ennore (Tamil Nadu):A relatively new major port, Ennore is rapidly
developing into a major coal handling center, catering to the growing thermal
power needs of South India.
Western Coast:
● Jawaharlal Nehru Port
(Maharashtra):The busiest port in India, JNPT is a leading container terminal
and plays a pivotal role in India's international trade.
● Mumbai (Maharashtra):The historic port city of Mumbai
continues to be a major center for cargo movement, handling a diverse mix of
goods, including containers, petroleum products and bulk cargo.
● Marmugao (Goa):Located in Goa, Marmugao is a major port for
handling iron ore exports and also caters to the import of coal and petroleum
products.
● Cochin (Kerala):A prominent port on the Malabar Coast, Cochin
is known for its spice trade and also handles a significant volume of
containerized cargo, petroleum products and project cargo.
● New Mangalore (Karnataka):A major port for
handling iron ore exports and also caters to the import of coal, fertilizers
and timber.
● Deendayal Port (Gujarat):A recently developed port, Deendayal
Port is envisioned as a major hub for handling bulk cargo, particularly coal
and fertilizer.
The Indian government
is actively investing in expanding the capacity and capabilities of its Major
Ports.
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