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India's 14 Major Ports: Complete Guide to Maritime Gateways Driving Economic Growth 2025
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Major Sea Ports of India
India has a vast coastline spanning over 7,517 km, served by 13 operational major ports (14 counting Vadhavan Port, approved in 2024) and over 200 notified minor and intermediate ports. Approximately 95% of India's trade volume and 70% of its value are moved via maritime transport.
Major ports are managed under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Shipping, whereas minor ports fall under the jurisdiction of their respective maritime state governments.
The 14 Major Ports at a Glance
| Port | State / UT | Coast | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (Kolkata Port) | West Bengal | East | India's only major riverine port, on the Hooghly; twin docks — Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) |
| Paradip Port | Odisha | East | Artificial deep-water lagoon port where the Mahanadi meets the Bay of Bengal; leads iron-ore exports |