Top 10 Biggest Ports in India by Cargo Volume in FY 2025-26

Imagine orchestrating a seamless supply chain across the Indian Ocean, where your shipments dock efficiently at the world's most dynamic ports, minimizing delays and maximizing cost savings. In today's global trade landscape, selecting the right Indian port can make or break your logistics strategy. As experts at FreightAmigo Services Limited, we've witnessed firsthand how businesses leveraging India's top ports achieve unparalleled efficiency. With major ports hitting a record 915 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2025-26—a 7.06% year-over-year surge—and non-major ports contributing nearly half of the nation's 1,603 MMT total cargo, understanding these gateways is crucial for any forwarder or importer.

This comprehensive guide addresses the frustrations of opaque port performance data and inconsistent rankings. Whether you're shipping bulk commodities, containers, or high-value goods from Hong Kong to Gujarat, we empathize with the challenge of navigating India's port ecosystem. Dive in to discover the top 10 biggest ports in India, ranked by cargo throughput, and learn how to optimize your sea freight operations through these hubs.

Key Highlights from This Guide

• Gain precise rankings and latest FY 2025-26 cargo volumes for strategic route planning.
• Unlock insights into cargo specialties, growth drivers, and global standings for informed decisions.
• Master tips to reduce transit times and costs when shipping to or from these Indian ports.

This table, sourced from Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) reports up to April 2026, highlights the explosive growth. Note Gujarat's dominance with Mundra and Deendayal handling over 40% of national cargo. For businesses eyeing the biggest sea port in India, Mundra stands unchallenged at over 200 MMT.

1. Mundra Port: India's Largest Overall Port and a Global Powerhouse

Mundra Port in Gujarat, operated as a non-major private facility, clinched the top spot as the biggest sea port in India with 200.7 MMT in FY 2024-25—the first Indian port to surpass 200 MMT. Its capacity of 338 MMT supports diverse cargoes like containers, dry bulk, and liquids. From our experience coordinating shipments from Asia-Pacific hubs like Hong Kong, Mundra's deep drafts (up to 18.5 meters) and 44 berths enable mega-vessels, slashing per-unit costs for high-volume shippers.

Key strengths include world-class automation, including India's largest container terminal, and strategic connectivity via the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. In FY 2025-26, projections exceed 215 MMT, driven by PPP models and coastal shipping. For exporters, Mundra's proximity to petrochemical clusters optimizes POL and fertilizer flows. We recommend it for bulk dry cargo, where turnaround times average under 24 hours.

2. Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla): The 2nd Largest Port in India and Top Major Performer

Deendayal Port, formerly Kandla, in Gujarat solidified its position as the 2nd largest port in India and the leading major port with 160.11 MMT in FY 2025-26. Handling 17.32% of major port traffic, it excels in grains, petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL), with robust infrastructure for edible oils and fertilizers. Its 28.3 MMT liquid cargo capacity underscores its role in energy security.

From boots-on-the-ground observations, Deendayal's expansion via Sagarmala projects has boosted efficiency, with rail connectivity linking to northern India. Growth from 150.16 MMT in FY24-25 reflects PPP terminal developments. Shippers benefit from competitive berthing fees and multi-modal integration, ideal for POL importers facing volatile markets.

3. Paradip Port Authority: Coastal Shipping Leader and Close Contender for 2nd Spot

Paradip Port in Odisha clocked 156.45 MMT in FY 2025-26, nearly tying Deendayal as the 2nd largest port in India. It was the top major port in FY24-25 at 150.41 MMT, with 63.71 MMT from coastal shipping—highest among majors. Coal and iron ore dominate, supported by captive jetties for POSCO and JSW Steel.

Its deep-water berths (16.5m draft) handle Capesize vessels, vital for mineral exports. We've seen clients reduce logistics costs by 15-20% routing iron ore via Paradip's automated mechanized berth. Sagarmala investments promise further 20% capacity hike by 2027.

4. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA/Nhava Sheva): The Container King and Biggest Sea Port for TEUs

JNPA in Maharashtra surged to 102.01 MMT in FY 2025-26 (+10.74% YoY), handling over 50% of India's container traffic at 7.94 million TEUs in FY24-25. Ranked 23rd globally in Container Port Performance Index (CPPI 2024), it's the undisputed biggest sea port for containers.

Terminals by international operators ensure crane productivity above 30 moves/hour. For eCommerce and manufacturing shippers, JNPA's connectivity to Mumbai's hinterland via road/rail is unmatched. We leverage its Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals for time-sensitive cargo from Hong Kong.

Explore our Sea Freight solutions tailored for JNPA routes, ensuring economical high-volume shipments with real-time visibility.

5. Visakhapatnam Port: Iron Ore and Coal Export Hub with Global Ambitions

Visakhapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh managed 82.62 MMT in FY24-25, excelling in iron ore (key exporter to China) and coal. Record daily highs of 533,000 MT showcase operational prowess, with a global container ranking of 19th (2023).

Its 22 berths and Eastern Container Terminal position it for diversification. Clients report seamless handling of 15M tonnes annual iron ore, bolstered by gangavaram integration.

6. Chennai Port: Southern Gateway for Autos and Containers

Chennai Port processed ~55 MMT in FY24-25, including 1.82M TEUs containers and auto exports. Hitting cumulative 100 MMT milestones, it's pivotal for Tamil Nadu's manufacturing belt.

Draft enhancements and container terminal expansions support scrap and vehicle shipments, with strong links to Sri Lanka routes.

7. Mumbai Port Authority: POL and General Cargo Stalwart

Mumbai Port, at ~69 MMT (FY24-25 est.), leads in POL with prior highs of 68.63 MMT. Despite container shifts to JNPA, it thrives on general and liquid bulk.

Urban constraints spur modernization, maintaining relevance for coastal feeders.

8. New Mangalore Port: Energy Cargo Specialist

New Mangalore's 46.01 MMT (FY24-25) focuses on crude oil and LPG, with petroleum products forming the bulk. Strategic for Karnataka's refineries.

9. Kamarajar Port (Ennore): Coal Powerhouse

Ennore's 48.40 MMT centers on thermal coal, aiding Tamil Nadu power plants with specialized conveyor systems.

10. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (Kolkata/Haldia): Eastern Growth Engine

Combined ~64 MMT (FY24-25), with Haldia at 47.31 MMT. Fertilisers and coal drive +14.28% FY25-26 growth.

Strategic Insights: Why Gujarat Ports Dominate and Growth Drivers

Gujarat's Mundra and Deendayal handled ~40% national cargo, fueled by industrial corridors and non-major efficiencies. Key drivers: Sagarmala (coastal shipping up), automation (e.g., JNPA's 4.5M TEU terminal), and PPPs. Non-majors like Gujarat cluster hit 488 MMT FY24-25.

For Hong Kong shippers, these ports cut Asia-India transit by 2-3 days versus west coast options. Use our Instant Quote tool to compare rates instantly across 250+ countries, optimizing for these hubs.

Optimizing Shipments to Indian Ports: FreightAmigo's Expertise

Navigating Indian ports demands precision. We integrate Sea Freight with Track & Trace for end-to-end visibility, ensuring compliance amid customs complexities. From Mundra's bulk to JNPA's containers, our platform streamlines PO-to-POD, reducing risks.

Challenges like congestion at Chennai or weather at Paradip? Our Sailing Schedule helps book optimal slots up to 8 weeks ahead. ESG-focused? AmiGo Green minimizes emissions on these routes.

Conclusion: Chart Your Course Through India's Port Powerhouses

India's top 10 ports, led by Mundra as the biggest sea port and Deendayal as the 2nd largest, form the backbone of a booming trade ecosystem. With Gujarat's duo driving growth and majors like JNPA excelling in containers, opportunities abound for savvy shippers. At FreightAmigo, we empower you with tools to harness these assets—start with our Instant Quote for competitive sea freight rates or explore Sea Freight options today. Optimize your India-bound logistics and stay ahead in 2026.