Exploring India’s Port Distribution and Economic Impact (2025)

India’s ports serve as gateways to the global market, facilitating the movement of goods in and out of the nation.

As of 2025, India boasts approximately 200 operational ports, encompassing both major and minor facilities, distributed across its coastal states and Union Territories (UTs). However, not every state or UT possesses ports, and the number varies significantly among them.

In this discussion, we will explore the ports of India, examine the state-wise distribution of ports and their percentage share in 2025, and analyze the reasons behind the dominance of certain regions as port hubs.

This blog is tailored for a 10th-grade audience, ensuring it is accessible, straightforward, and rich in insights, with a focus on the quantity of ports and their contribution to the overall total.

What Are Ports?

Ports are designated areas where ships dock to load or unload various goods, such as vehicles, food products, or petroleum.

India is home to 14 major ports, including the largest, Mundra Port located in Gujarat, as well as around 217 minor ports, of which only 68 are involved in cargo handling.

Major ports are operated by the central government, whereas minor ports are overseen by state authorities. The map of ports in India illustrates their locations along the extensive 7,500-kilometer coastline, stretching from Gujarat to West Bengal.

Ports play a crucial role in trade, making them vital for India’s export activities and overall economic health.

Number of Ports in every Indian State

Percentage share of every Indian States in number of Ports

Leading States with the Highest Number of Ports

This overview highlights the leading states and Union Territories (UTs) in India for the year 2025, ranked by their total number of ports and their percentage share of the overall 200 active ports:

Gujarat (48 ports, 24.00% share): Gujarat stands out as the dominant state with 48 ports, featuring the largest seaport in India, Mundra, along with Deendayal Port (previously known as Kandla, refer to the Kandla port map in India).

Its extensive coastline and emphasis on trade establish it as a frontrunner in port-related topics for UPSC in India.

Maharashtra (32 ports, 16.00%): Maharashtra boasts 32 ports, including the largest container port in India, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT, also referred to as Nhava Sheva port in India).

It is recognized as the busiest port in the country, managing a significant volume of cargo in proximity to Mumbai.

Tamil Nadu (25 ports, 12.50%): Tamil Nadu is home to 25 ports, which include Chennai and Tuticorin. Chennai is an artificial port developed for trade purposes, while Tuticorin is recognized as a tidal port in India, influenced by tidal patterns.

Andhra Pradesh (22 ports, 11.00%): Andhra Pradesh features 22 ports, including Visakhapatnam, noted as the deepest port in India, ideal for accommodating large vessels. Its coastal positioning enhances trade opportunities.

Karnataka (18 ports, 9.00%): Karnataka has 18 ports, among which New Mangalore plays a crucial role in handling oil and various goods, thereby contributing to the state’s industrial development.

Odisha (15 ports, 7.50%): Odisha’s 15 ports, such as Paradip, are vital for mineral exports, marking the state as an emerging player in the port sector.

Kerala (14 ports, 7.00%): Kerala operates 14 ports, with Kochi serving as a significant hub. These ports are particularly advantageous for the export of spices and seafood.

Goa (10 ports, 5.00%): Goa has 10 ports, including Mormugao, which facilitate tourism and the trade of iron ore.

West Bengal (8 ports, 4.00%): West Bengal’s 8 ports encompass Kolkata and Haldia, with Kolkata being one of the oldest ports in India, with a history spanning centuries.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands (5 ports, 2.50%): This Union Territory comprises 5 ports, including Port Blair, which are utilized for trade and tourism related to the islands.

Puducherry (3 ports, 1.50%): Puducherry features 3 minor ports that manage small-scale cargo and fishing activities.

Numerous states and Union Territories (UTs) lack any ports due to being landlocked or not having a coastline. Many regions are either situated far from the sea or, in the case of Lakshadweep, are too small to support active cargo ports.

Why the Big Differences?

The variation in the number of ports across India can be attributed to several key factors:

• Coastline: The extensive 1,600-km coastline of Gujarat facilitates the establishment of more ports compared to the limited shore of Puducherry.
• Trade Needs: States like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu host busy ports such as JNPT and Chennai, which cater to export demands, resulting in a higher number of ports.
• History: Historical ports like Kolkata, among the oldest in India, developed alongside colonial trade, whereas newer ports like Mundra have contributed to Gujarat’s prominence.
• Infrastructure: States such as Andhra Pradesh are investing in ports like Visakhapatnam, recognized as the deepest port in India, to accommodate larger vessels.

How Ports Shape India’s Future

By 2025, India is projected to have 200 ports, underscoring its trade capabilities.

Gujarat and Maharashtra are at the forefront, thanks to significant ports like Mundra (the largest sea port in India and the second largest by cargo volume after JNPT) and JNPT (the largest container port and busiest port in India).

These ports manage a diverse range of goods, from automobiles to oil, thereby bolstering India’s economy. The port map of India illustrates that ports are exclusively located in coastal regions, leaving landlocked states without access.

The government’s Sagarmala initiative is enhancing port infrastructure by introducing new ports and modernizing existing ones.

This development could lead to an increase in the number of ports in states like Odisha and Karnataka by 2030.

Even smaller Union Territories such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are expanding their ports to promote tourism and trade.

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/