India's Port Infrastructure: Key Developments and Numbers for 2025

India’s maritime sector stands as a critical pillar of the nation’s economic growth, supporting over 90% of its international trade by The Trade Vision volume and around 70% by value. With a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometers and a network of major and non-major ports, India’s port infrastructure has undergone significant transformation in recent years. As the country steers towards its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy, robust, modern, and efficient ports are indispensable.

This article outlines the key developments shaping India’s port infrastructure and highlights important statistics for 2025.

Current State of Port Infrastructure

As of 2025, India has:

• 13 major ports under the central government’s jurisdiction.


• 200+ non-major (minor) ports managed by state governments and private operators.


• Total cargo handling capacity of over 2,500 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).


• Major ports alone handle around 60%–70% of total cargo traffic, with the remainder shared by increasingly competitive private ports.

Key Developments and Modernization Initiatives

Capacity Expansion

• Major ports have undergone substantial dredging and berth deepening to accommodate larger vessels.


• New terminals, container berths, and multi-cargo facilities have increased total capacity to meet rising trade demands.

 Sagarmala Programme

• The flagship Sagarmala initiative continues to be a game-changer.


• Over 800 projects under Sagarmala aim to modernize ports, develop coastal economic zones, and enhance port connectivity.


• Investment under Sagarmala is projected to exceed ₹6 lakh crore by 2025.

Digitization and Automation

• Implementation of Port Community Systems (PCS 1x) for paperless trade.


• Use of AI, blockchain, and smart cargo tracking systems to boost turnaround time and ease of doing business.


• Many ports have shifted to RFID-based gates and automated cranes.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

• PPP projects have attracted significant private investment, leading to world-class terminals and container handling facilities.


• Private ports like Mundra, Krishnapatnam, and Hazira have emerged as key players alongside traditional major ports.

Green Ports and Sustainability

• Major ports are adopting shore power, LNG bunkering, and renewable energy usage.


• Several ports are on track to become carbon-neutral and adopt sustainable dredging practices.

Key Numbers for 2025

Parameter	2025 Estimate
Total Major Ports	13
Non-Major Ports	200+
Total Cargo Handling Capacity	2,500+ MMTPA
Total Cargo Traffic	~1,750–1,900 MMTPA
Container Throughput (JNPT + others)	Over 20 million TEUs annually
Investment under Sagarmala	₹6+ lakh crore
Average Turnaround Time	Less than 2 days at major ports

Strategic Impact

India’s upgraded port infrastructure enables:

• Faster cargo handling and lower logistics costs.


• Enhanced competitiveness for Indian exports.


• Greater regional connectivity with neighboring countries via coastal and inland waterways.


• Integration with global supply chains, supporting ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ goals.

Looking Ahead

The next wave of port-led growth hinges on:

• Deeper integration of ports with industrial corridors and multimodal logistics hubs.


• Development of dedicated freight corridors and last-mile road-rail connectivity.


• Continued focus on sustainability and digital innovation.

India’s ports are not just gateways for goods; they are Major Ports India catalysts driving industrialization, trade expansion, and regional prosperity.