India’s ports serve as the vital pulse of its commerce, facilitating the movement of goods valued at billions of dollars annually.

By 2025, Indian ports are projected to manage an enormous volume of cargo, contributing to an overall turnover of approximately $115.8 billion nationwide.

However, this wealth is not evenly distributed among states and Union Territories (UTs) – some are trade powerhouses, while others lack any ports entirely.

In this discussion, we will examine the annual port turnover by state in billion USD for 2025, utilizing recent data to understand why certain states excel.

This blog is tailored for a 10th-grade audience, ensuring clarity and simplicity while providing valuable insights into the turnover of Indian ports in 2025.

What Is Port Turnover?

Port turnover refers to the revenue generated from all goods (such as oil, automobiles, or food) that transit through a port.

It indicates the extent of trade supported by a port. India boasts 14 major ports and approximately 68 operational minor ports, managing a diverse range of cargo from containers to coal.

Notable ports in India include Mundra and Mumbai, but only coastal states and UTs possess ports.

In 2025, these ports are expected to collectively handle 853.56 million tonnes of cargo, significantly propelling India’s economic growth.

State wise port turnover in Billion USD

Top States with the Highest Port Turnover

Here’s an overview of the leading states and Union Territories in India for the year 2025, ranked by their annual port turnover in billion USD:

Gujarat ($35.0 billion, 30.2% of total): Gujarat leads the ranking with an impressive turnover of $35 billion. The state is home to Mundra Port, the largest port in India, which manages 155 million tonnes of cargo, including coal and containers.

Its extensive coastline and favorable trade policies contribute to its status as a trade powerhouse.

Maharashtra ($30.0 billion, 25.9%): Maharashtra generates a turnover of $30 billion through its ports, including Mumbai Port and the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), which is the largest container port in India.

JNPT alone processes 7.3 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) and 60 million tonnes of cargo, establishing it as a significant trade hub near Mumbai.

Tamil Nadu ($15.0 billion, 12.9%): Tamil Nadu achieves a turnover of $15 billion, primarily from Chennai and Tuticorin ports. Chennai, an artificial port, facilitates car exports and manages 50 million tonnes of cargo, significantly enhancing the state’s economic landscape.

Andhra Pradesh ($10.0 billion, 8.6%): Andhra Pradesh earns $10 billion, largely due to Visakhapatnam, recognized as the deepest port in India. It processes 72.73 million tonnes of cargo, including steel and oil, connecting the eastern coast to international markets.

Odisha ($8.0 billion, 6.9%): Odisha’s turnover of $8 billion is attributed to Paradip Port, which handles 135 million tonnes of coal and various other cargo, positioning it as a crucial player on the eastern coastline.

West Bengal ($6.0 billion, 5.2%): West Bengal generates $6 billion from its ports, including Kolkata and Haldia. Kolkata, one of the oldest ports in India, manages 40 million tonnes of cargo, supporting trade in eastern India.

Karnataka ($5.0 billion, 4.3%): Karnataka’s turnover of $5 billion is primarily driven by New Mangalore Port, which handles 42 million tonnes of oil and other goods for the southern region of India.

Kerala ($4.0 billion, 3.5%): Kerala’s $4 billion turnover is derived from Kochi Port, which processes 34.55 million tonnes of cargo, including spices and seafood for export.

Goa ($2.0 billion, 1.7%): Goa’s $2 billion turnover is generated by Mormugao Port, which manages 7 million tonnes of iron ore and other cargo.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands ($0.5 billion, 0.4%): This Union Territory generates $0.5 billion through Port Blair and various smaller ports, facilitating trade and tourism on the islands.

Why the Big Differences?

The turnover at Indian ports differs significantly due to several critical factors:

• Port Size and Capacity: Mundra Port in Gujarat, being the largest port in India, processes 338 million tonnes, overshadowing smaller ports such as Puducherry’s.
• Location: JNPT in Maharashtra, located near Mumbai, gains an advantage from its proximity to India’s financial center, resulting in elevated turnover.
• Cargo Type: Ports such as Paradip in Odisha manage high-value commodities like coal, enhancing turnover, whereas smaller ports in the Andaman Islands concentrate on local commerce.
• Infrastructure: Contemporary ports like JNPT, equipped with state-of-the-art container terminals, are capable of handling greater cargo volumes compared to older ports like Kolkata.

How Ports Drive India’s Economy

By 2025, Indian ports are projected to generate $115.8 billion in turnover, facilitating 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value.

Gujarat and Maharashtra are at the forefront due to ports like Mundra and JNPT, which manage substantial cargo quantities.

The Sagarmala initiative is modernizing ports and introducing new ones such as Vadhavan in Maharashtra, which is anticipated to rank among the top 10 global ports by 2028.

This expansion will lead to increased employment opportunities and trade for coastal states.

Source

• Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. (2024, July 31). Annual report 2023–24: Major and non-major ports. https://shipmin.gov.in/annual-reports
• Press Information Bureau. (2024, June 15). Sagarmala programme: Progress on port development. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2023456
• Statista. (2024, March 20). Container cargo traffic at major ports in India from FY 2014 to FY 2023. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1055668/india-container-cargo-traffic-at-major-ports/