The cargo volume at major Indian ports has witnessed a notable growth rate of 3.2% in May 2023, according to the Indian Ports Association (IPA). The total cargo volume handled by these ports during the month amounted to 68.06 million metric tons (MT), reflecting a positive trend compared to the same period last year.
Among the major ports, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) and Kolkata Port, which includes Haldia, exhibited the highest increase in cargo handling, with a remarkable growth rate of 10.01% in May.
In an official statement released on June 5, the IPA highlighted that the major ports in the country collectively managed a total cargo volume of 68.06 million metric tons (MT) in May 2023, as opposed to 65.95 MT handled during the corresponding period last year. This signifies a significant year-on-year growth rate of 3.2%.
India operates a total of 12 major ports, namely Deendayal (Kandla), Mumbai, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Ennore (Kamarajar), Tuticorin (V O Chidambaranar), Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Kolkata (including Haldia), and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPA).
As per the IPA statement, eight ports experienced an upswing in cargo traffic during the previous month, while the remaining four ports witnessed a decline compared to the same period last year.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) and Kolkata Port (Including Haldia) showcased the highest growth in cargo handling, with a year-on-year increase of 10.01% in May.
Following closely, Visakhapatnam Port exhibited a growth rate of 9.61%, Mormugao Port experienced a growth of 9.43%, and Paradip Port witnessed a growth of 7.77%, as reported by the IPA.
Moreover, JNPA recorded a positive growth of 7.13% in cargo traffic during May 2023.
Cochin Port observed a growth rate of 6.86%, New Mangalore Port experienced a growth of 3.88%, and Mumbai Port displayed a growth of 0.77%, indicating positive performance compared to the previous year.
Furthermore, the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index Report 2023 recognized JN Port for its excellent turnaround time for container ships, placing India among the top performers globally in terms of container ports.
