Synopsis
The cargo volume at India's major ports has surged from 581.34 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 819.23 million tonnes in FY 2023-24, reflecting a CAGR of 3.5%. Key improvements in infrastructure and connectivity are driving this growth, as highlighted by the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.Key Takeaways
- India's major ports handled 819.23 million tonnes in FY 2023-24.
- The CAGR for cargo handled is 3.5% from 2014-15.
- Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra is set to develop into a mega container port.
- 107 connectivity gaps have been identified for port infrastructure enhancement.
- Government initiatives are optimizing logistics for export-driven sectors.
New Delhi, Feb 5 (NationPress) The cargo managed at India's major ports has seen a rise from 581.34 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 819.23 million tonnes in the financial year 2023-24, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5 percent, which aligns with global benchmarks, as reported to Parliament on Wednesday.
In the year 2023-24, the cargo distribution included 33.80 percent liquid bulk, 44.04 percent dry bulk, and 22.16 percent container cargo, as stated by Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
The enhancement of infrastructure and capacity at major ports is an ongoing initiative that encompasses the creation of new berths and terminals, the mechanization of current facilities, capital dredging to deepen drafts for attracting larger vessels, and improving road and rail connectivity, he noted.
Additionally, the Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra has received approval to be developed into a mega container port, designed to accommodate the needs of new generation mega-size container ships.
Following consultations with major ports, state maritime boards, and the Ministries of Railway and Road Transport and Highways, 107 infrastructure connectivity gaps for both major and non-major ports have been pinpointed and incorporated into the Comprehensive Port Connectivity Plan (CPCP), formulated by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in September 2022. These initiatives aim to boost connectivity between ports and domestic manufacturing and consumption hubs, as stated by the minister.
In response to another query in the Rajya Sabha, the minister presented data showing the total cargo processed at major ports, which are operated by the Central government, alongside non-major ports managed by private firms and state administrations over the past four years. There has been a consistent rise in total cargo handled at all ports across the nation, increasing from 1247.72 million tonnes in 2020-21 to 1540.23 million tonnes in 2023-24. Out of this, 819.23 million tonnes were processed by major ports while 721 million tonnes were transacted through other ports.
The minister further elaborated that the government has implemented numerous measures to optimize logistics for export-centric industries, including the establishment of new berths, terminals, and parking facilities, mechanization and modernization of existing berths and terminals, process streamlining through digitalization, and the expansion of hinterland connectivity via rail and road.
