Explore India’s maritime landscape through an overview of the Top 10 Largest Container Ports in the country, focusing on both the Biggest and Busiest Container Ports in India.
With an extensive coastline exceeding 7,500 kilometers, India boasts some of the world’s busiest and most strategically located ports. These ports are essential not only for the nation’s import and export operations but also for the global shipping sector.
Considering India’s expanding economy and its strategic position along international shipping routes, the effectiveness, capacity, and operations of its container ports are critically important.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 largest container ports in India, detailing their locations and annual handling capacity.
Also Read:- Best movies on Amazon Prime Video to watch now
Top 10 Largest Container Ports in India
The table below presents the largest container ports in India, along with their respective locations and annual container volumes:
| Largest Container Port in India | |||
| Rank | Port Name | Location | Annual Container Volume (TEUs) |
| 1 | Jawaharlal Nehru Port | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra | 5.1 million |
| 2 | Mundra Port | Mundra, Gujarat | 4.7 million |
| 3 | Chennai Port | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 1.6 million |
| 4 | Kolkata Port (including Haldia) | Kolkata, West Bengal | 0.8 million |
| 5 | Cochin Port | Cochin, Kerala | 0.6 million |
| 6 | Visakhapatnam Port | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | 0.5 million |
| 7 | Paradip Port | Paradip, Odisha | 0.3 million |
| 8 | New Mangalore Port | Mangalore, Karnataka | 0.3 million |
| 9 | Krishnapatnam Port | Nellore, Andhra Pradesh | 0.2 million |
| 10 | Tuticorin Port (V.O. Chidambaranar Port) | Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu | 0.1 million |
Top 10 Major Ports in India: A Comprehensive Overview
1. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra)
Also known as Nhava Sheva, Jawaharlal Nehru Port is India’s leading container port, handling over 5.1 million TEUs annually. Located near Mumbai, this port is crucial for international trade, particularly for Maharashtra and North India’s vast hinterland. Its modern infrastructure and efficiency make it a top choice for shipping lines and traders alike. #JawaharlalNehruPort #JNPT
Also Read:- The 10 Famous Lakes In The World
2. Mundra Port (Mundra, Gujarat)
Mundra Port is the largest private port in India, with an impressive annual throughput of 4.7 million TEUs. Strategically situated in Gujarat, it offers excellent access to key international shipping routes, making it a central hub for India’s western and northern markets. The port’s deep draft enables it to accommodate some of the largest vessels globally, enhancing its cargo handling capabilities. #MundraPort
3. Chennai Port (Chennai, Tamil Nadu)
One of India’s oldest ports, Chennai Port has evolved into a modern container-handling facility, managing an annual volume of 1.6 million TEUs. Serving the southeastern coast, this port is a critical link between major manufacturing centers and global markets, playing a vital role in the region’s trade. #ChennaiPort
Also Read:- The 10 Best New Movies On Netflix In August 2024
4. Kolkata Port (including Haldia) (Kolkata, West Bengal)
Kolkata Port, along with its satellite facility at Haldia, processes around 0.8 million TEUs annually. As India’s oldest operational port, it serves a significant economic region, including West Bengal, Bihar, and the Northeastern states, handling a diverse range of cargo beyond just containers. #KolkataPort
5. Cochin Port (Cochin, Kerala)
Cochin Port is a key maritime hub in South India, focusing on enhancing its container handling capabilities, with an annual throughput of 0.6 million TEUs. Its strategic location along international shipping routes makes it an important player in promoting trade and connectivity in the region. #CochinPort
Also Read:- How Many Steps Are in a Mile?
6. Visakhapatnam Port (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh)
Visakhapatnam Port, handling approximately 0.5 million TEUs per year, is renowned for its natural harbor, making it one of India’s deepest ports. It is vital for importing minerals and crude, serving as a crucial trade artery for Andhra Pradesh and beyond. #VisakhapatnamPort
7. Paradip Port (Paradip, Odisha)
Paradip Port, with a capacity of 0.3 million TEUs, is rapidly expanding its container operations. Strategically important for eastern India, it is known for handling a wide range of bulk cargoes and is focusing on increasing its share in the container trade. #ParadipPort
8. New Mangalore Port (Mangalore, Karnataka)
New Mangalore Port, handling 0.3 million TEUs annually, plays a crucial role in Karnataka’s economy, particularly in the export of iron ore concentrates and pellets. The port is also expanding its container handling facilities to meet the growing demands of trade. #NewMangalorePort
Also Read:- Exploring the Sunshine State:
9. Krishnapatnam Port (Nellore, Andhra Pradesh)
Krishnapatnam Port, a newer facility with an annual throughput of 0.2 million TEUs, is quickly becoming a major maritime hub in southern India. With deep-water capabilities and cutting-edge infrastructure, it supports a wide range of cargo and is poised for significant growth. #KrishnapatnamPort
10. Tuticorin Port (V.O. Chidambaranar Port) (Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu)
Tuticorin Port, also known as V.O. Chidambaranar Port, is vital for Tamil Nadu’s trade, handling 0.1 million TEUs. Specializing in containerized cargo, it plays a significant role in connecting India’s southern region to international markets, with ongoing efforts to expand its capacity and infrastructure. #TuticorinPort
Also Read:- Top 10 Most Famous Gardens in India
Largest Container Port in India
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), often referred to as Nhava Sheva, is the largest container port in India. Located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, it manages the highest volume of container traffic in the country. JNPT is a critical hub in India’s international trade and logistics, playing a central role in the maritime industry.
Busiest Container Port in India
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), also known as Nhava Sheva, in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, is the busiest container port in India. It leads in container handling, serving as a pivotal point for international trade and logistics in the nation.
Which is the Largest Container Port in India?
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), known as Nhava Sheva, is the largest container port in India. Situated in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, it plays a vital role in India’s maritime trade and logistics as the premier container-handling port in the country.
Summary – Top 10 Largest Container Ports in India
India’s vast coastline is home to some of the most significant ports, each crucial to the nation’s global trade. Leading the list is the Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Maharashtra, which handles over 5.1 million containers annually. Following closely is Gujarat’s Mundra Port, managing approximately 4.7 million containers. These, along with other major ports like Chennai, Kolkata, and Cochin, form the backbone of India’s trade infrastructure, seamlessly connecting the hinterland to global markets. From the bustling activities in Navi Mumbai to the deep waters of Tuticorin, each port has its unique role in boosting the economy and linking India to the global trade network.
Top 10 Largest Container Ports in India – FAQs
Which is the largest container port in India?
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), also known as Nhava Sheva, located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, is the largest container port in India.
What are the top 3 largest container ports in India?
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Mundra Port, Kutch, Gujarat
- Chennai Port, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
How much container traffic does Mundra Port handle annually?
Mundra Port manages around 4.4 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) each year, making it one of the busiest container ports in India.
Are there any major ports on the eastern coast of India?
Yes, significant ports on India’s eastern coast include Chennai Port in Tamil Nadu and Paradip Port in Odisha.
What makes JNPT a significant port in India?
JNPT’s strategic location on the western coast of India makes it a key hub for international trade and container shipping.
Which is the Largest Container Port in India?
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port, also called Nhava Sheva, situated in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, is the largest container port in India. It handles over 5.1 million TEUs annually, serving as a crucial center for international trade and logistics.
What makes Mundra Port significant in India’s trade network?
Mundra Port, the largest private port in India, handles about 4.7 million TEUs annually. Located in Gujarat, its strategic position and deep-water capacity allow it to manage some of the world’s largest vessels, significantly boosting India’s trade.
How does Chennai Port contribute to India’s economy?
Chennai Port in Tamil Nadu, one of India’s oldest and most modern ports, handles around 1.6 million TEUs annually. It supports the economic activities of southeastern India by connecting the region to global markets, playing a vital role in the export-import trade.
What distinguishes Kolkata Port in India’s maritime infrastructure?
Kolkata Port, including its Haldia facility, is notable as India’s oldest operational port, handling about 0.8 million TEUs annually. It serves a vast hinterland, including West Bengal, Bihar, and the northeastern states, facilitating diverse cargo handling and playing a crucial role in regional trade.
Why is the Port of Cochin important for South India’s maritime trade?
The Port of Cochin in Kerala, with an annual container volume of 0.6 million TEUs, is strategically located along major international shipping routes. It plays a key role in enhancing trade and connectivity in South India, contributing significantly to the region’s economic development.