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20-12-2024
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Prelims: Indian & World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India & the World.
Mains: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
India's coastline spans 7,517 km, hosts 13 major ports (including proposed Vadhavan Port) and over 200 minor ones. Major ports handle 95% of India's trade by volume and 70% by value. These ports facilitate critical trade, handling various goods like petroleum, coal, iron ore, textiles, and automobiles, with strategic geopolitical significance in global maritime routes.
Major Ports in India includes: West coast ports- Mumbai, Kandla, Mangalore, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), Mormugao, and Cochin; East coast ports-Chennai, Tuticorin, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Kolkata, and Ennore.
Modern India's maritime prowess manifests across all domains with its impressive 7,500 km coastline, 13 major ports, and 200 non-major ports, establishing it as an undisputed maritime powerhouse. With an annual handling capacity of 1,200 million tonnes, it supports 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value, leveraging India's strategic Indian Ocean location.
There are 12 major ports in India divided into the Western and Eastern coasts of the Peninsula. The list of major ports in India are as follows:
S.N | Port Name | State |
1. | Deendayal Port (Kandla Port) | Gujarat |
2. | Mumbai Port Trust | Maharashtra |
3. | Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) | Maharashtra |
4. | Port of Mormugao | Goa |
5. | New Mangalore Port | Karnataka |
6. | Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (Kolkata Port) | West Bengal |
7. | Kochi (Cochin) Port | Kerala |
8. | Chennai Port | Tamil Nadu |
9. | Kamarajar Port (Ennore Port) | Tamil Nadu |
10. | Paradip Port | Odisha |
11. | Visakhapatnam Port | Andhra Pradesh |
12. | Tuticorin Port | Tamil Nadu |
13. | Vadhavan Port (Under construction) | Maharashtra |
- | Port Blair (removed status) | Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
Note: Port Blair is no longer a major port. The Indian government removed Port Blair's major port status in 2017 due to a lack of container traffic.
India's western coast hosts major ports like Deendayal (Kandla), Mumbai, JNPT, Vadhavan*, Mormugao, New Mangalore, and Cochin, which are vital for trade and cargo handling. These ports facilitate bulk exports, container traffic, and regional economic growth, enhancing India's geopolitical presence and maritime trade across global routes.
Deendayal Port, formerly Kandla Port, is a major seaport in Gujarat's Kutch district, established in 1955 and it was renamed as Deendayal Port in 2017 under Indian Ports Act, 1908.
Mumbai Port Trust, formerly known as Bombay Port Trust (BPT), established in 1873, is a historic maritime hub located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Strategically situated on the west coast of India, the port lies within a natural deep-water harbour, providing easy access to international shipping routes.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust(JNPT), located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, is India's largest container port, handling over 55% of the country's container traffic. Positioned along the Arabian Sea, it offers efficient access to major international shipping lanes and benefits from its proximity to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune.
Vadhavan Port, a 13th Major port, is a transformative infrastructure project aimed at enhancing India's maritime trade capabilities. Located in Palghar, Maharashtra, approximately 100 km north of Mumbai, the port was recently (2024) approved and will become one of India’s largest upon its completion.
Mormugao Port, established in 1885 in Goa, is a key maritime hub, originally developed for iron ore exports. Designated a Major Port in 1964, it has grown significantly, especially during peak global demand for iron ore.
New Mangalore Port, also known as New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT), is a major all-weather port in Panambur, Mangalore, Karnataka. Established in 1975, it is the only major port in Karnataka. Covering approximately 480 hectares, it features the deepest inner harbour on the west coast of India.
Cochin Port, located in Kochi, Kerala, is a major maritime facility on the Arabian Sea, connecting the Indian Ocean and the Laccadive Sea. Its history dates back to 1341 AD when a flood from the Periyar River created a navigable harbour.
Ports on India’s eastern coast, include Tuticorin, Ennore, Chennai, Haldia, Kolkata, Paradip, Visakhapatnam, and Port Blair. These ports handle diverse commodities like crude oil, coal, seafood, and textiles, supporting industries and exports. These ports enhance connectivity and support regional trade strategies like the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.
V.O. Chidambaranar Port, formerly known as Tuticorin Port, is a major seaport in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India. Declared a major port on July 11, 1974, it is the second-largest port in Tamil Nadu and the third-largest container terminal in India.
Chennai Port, established in 1881, is the second-largest container port in India, strategically located on the east coast. It has evolved from handling primarily oil and motor imports to managing over 60 million tonnes of cargo annually, enhancing trade and economic growth in Tamil Nadu.
Kamarajar Port, formerly Ennore Port, is located 18 km north of Chennai. It is India's first corporatised major port. Established in 2001 to support thermal coal transport for the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, it operates under Kamarajar Port Limited, functioning outside traditional tariff regulations.
Visakhapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh, established in the early 20th century, has evolved into one of India's busiest ports. Originally built to export manganese ore, the port’s expanded capacity reflects its growing economic significance.
Paradip Port, a key deep-water port in Odisha, lies at the Mahanadi-Bay of Bengal confluence. It became operational in 1966 as India's eighth major port.
Kolkata Port, officially known as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, is India's oldest operating port and the only major riverine port in the country. Situated in Kolkata, West Bengal, it is approximately 203 kilometres from the sea and was established by the British East India Company.
India's maritime infrastructure is extensive, comprising 13 major ports and over 200 minor ports. The respective state governments manage minor ports through their maritime boards.
These ports are vital for local economies, facilitating trade and transportation along India's 7,517 km coastline. Among the 200 minor ports, approximately 65 actively handle cargo. The rest may serve fishing vessels or ferry passengers. Some prominent minor ports in India are as follows:
India's major ports hold significant importance by handling 95% of foreign trade by volume, enhancing connectivity, preserving historical significance, advancing infrastructure through initiatives like Sagarmala, and adopting eco-friendly practices.
India's major ports are vital for trade and economic growth but face challenges like inadequate infrastructure, poor connectivity, operational inefficiencies, regulatory hurdles, environmental issues, and labour shortages, impacting their competitiveness.
Question 1: Consider the following pairs : (UPSC Prelims 2023)
Port Well known as
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Answer: (b)
Question 2: In India, the ports are categorized as major and nonmajor ports. Which one of the following is a nonmajor port? (UPSC Prelims 2009)
Answer: (b)
Q1. Which is the oldest port in India?
Ans. Lothal is the oldest port in India, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization.
Q2. Which port has an artificial Harbour in India?
Ans. Chennai Port is known for being one of the oldest artificial harbours on the eastern coast of India.
Q3. Which port is known as Pearl of India?
Ans. Visakhapatnam is often referred to as the "Pearl of India."
Q4. Which port is known as Diamond Harbor?
Ans. Diamond Harbour is located near Kolkata and serves as a significant anchorage point.
Q5. Which is the deepest port in India?
Ans. Visakhapatnam Port is recognized as the deepest port in India.
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