Indian Ports Prepare for Increased Cargo Throughput Following a Positive Year of Growth

Strong Momentum in Indian Port Cargo Volumes

Indian ports have demonstrated solid performance in the fiscal year 2025, with cargo volumes climbing approximately 3.3% year-on-year. This uplift is chiefly supported by increased containerization and steady advances in petroleum-related products. The overall cargo mix reveals a diverse spread: petroleum, oil, and lubricants (including crude oil, LNG, and LPG) constitute the largest portion at roughly 28%, followed by coal accounting for 24%, and containers making up 21.5%. The remainder, about 27%, consists of commodities like iron ore, fertilizers, and various other goods.

The growth story is further energized by an 11% surge in container volumes and a 3% increment in petroleum product shipments, even as coal and iron ore have seen some moderation. From recent data covering the first seven months of FY2026, combined cargo throughput at both major and non-major Indian ports reported a 4.1% uptick compared to the same period the previous year. These robust trends signal a promising outlook for the sector.

Forecasts for FY2026 and Cargo Segment Insights

Looking ahead, cargo volumes at Indian ports are forecasted to increase by 3 to 5 percent in FY2026. The expected engines of this growth are the container and fertilizer segments, both showing strong momentum. Petroleum-related volumes are anticipated to maintain a steady rise in line with their long-term growth trajectory of 2-4%, while iron ore shipments might taper off due to ramped-up domestic coal production catering to energy demand internally.

Container handling, in particular, has shown remarkable expansion — climbing 11% to 351 million tonnes in FY2025 from 317 million tonnes the year before. The momentum continued into early FY2026, with container throughput rising 6% year-on-year in the first seven months to 214 million tonnes.

Modernizing Maritime Operations: Key Legislative Reforms

This period of growth in Indian ports coincides with notable policy reforms aimed at modernizing maritime operations and streamlining procedures. Five landmark Bills were passed to replace outdated regulations: the Bills of Lading; Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill; Coastal Shipping Bill; Merchant Shipping Bill; and Indian Ports Bill. Collectively, these reforms intend to enhance operational efficiency, simplify documentation, bring clarity to regulatory frameworks, and encourage sustainable coastal shipping.

One significant change being pursued is granting older terminals (pre-November 2021) the liberty to adopt market-based tariffs, fostering a more competitive and level playing field for all terminal operators. With India’s strategic geographic advantage bridging Europe, Africa, and Asia, such reforms could bolster its positioning as a natural transshipment hub.

India’s Strategic Edge in Global Maritime Logistics

The country enjoys a cost competitive edge with lower port handling charges compared to several other global players. Coupled with policy efforts focused on strengthening India’s footprint in international trade and shipping, the port sector is poised to capitalize on rising global freight movement through its shores. A growing domestic market adds a solid foundation for sustainable demand in port services.

Budget Outlook: Support for Shipbuilding and Port Connectivity

Budget projections for the fiscal year 2026-27 emphasize support for the indigenous shipbuilding and repair industries. This includes expanding the Maritime Development Fund (MDF) and increasing financial assistance to domestic yards to upscale their capacity and competitiveness on the world stage. Beyond shipbuilding, port modernization remains a high priority, with continued budgetary allocations to flagship initiatives like the Sagarmala project.

Investment in inland waterways, under the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), is expected to see a boost, complementing efforts to enhance both inland and coastal connectivity. This comprehensive approach targets easing bottlenecks like railway congestion to facilitate smoother port traffic and trim down overall logistics expenses, key for fostering efficiency in freight dispatch and haulage.

Table: Cargo Volume Trends at Indian Ports

Implications for Logistics and Supply Chain Management

The steady growth of cargo volumes in Indian ports carries profound implications for logistics providers and freight forwarders. Increased container traffic signals a rising demand for efficient container handling, warehousing, and inland distribution networks. As bulk cargo like coal and iron ore adjust their volumes, logistics strategies must remain agile to accommodate shifting shipment patterns. The ongoing modernization efforts and enhanced port connectivity promise to streamline freight operations, decrease turnaround times, and reduce distribution costs.

For businesses managing cross-country or international shipments, these changing dynamics could translate into more reliable and faster transit times. Especially for bulky and heavy goods, port upgrades and hinterland connectivity enhancements reduce bottlenecks that often inflate logistics expenses. Platforms like GetTransport.com become instrumental in navigating this evolving landscape by offering affordable and efficient cargo transportation solutions globally — covering office moves, home relocations, vehicle transport, and handling of bulky items.

Highlights and Real-World Experience Matters

The developments in India’s port sector are exciting and suggest the country is steering toward becoming a major global logistics hub. Yet, no amount of compelling statistics or expert insights can fully substitute firsthand experience. The best way to grasp these improvements is by actively engaging with the logistics ecosystem—booking shipments, coordinating deliveries, and experiencing smoother handling firsthand.

GetTransport.com enables just that: access to competitive pricing and a wide selection of transport options worldwide, empowering shippers to make smart choices without overpaying or facing hidden hassles. Its transparent and user-friendly platform is tailored to meet diverse transportation needs with reliability and convenience. Book your Ride at GetTransport.com to tap into these advantages.

Global Logistics Forecast in View of Indian Port Growth

While the anticipated 3–5% cargo volume growth at Indian ports might not revolutionize global freight markets overnight, it certainly reflects important regional progress. This growth adds to the cumulative momentum in international shipping routes, freight handling, and global distribution efficiency. For logistics professionals and businesses aligned with global supply chains, keeping an eye on India’s expanding port capabilities is smart strategic foresight.

At GetTransport.com, staying current with such sector developments is a priority to ensure customers get the best in global cargo transport solutions. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

Conclusion

The Indian port sector is on an upswing with cargo volumes steadily growing, led by container shipments and supported by legislative reforms and government initiatives aimed at modernization. Enhanced port infrastructure, push for market-driven tariffs, and robust budgetary support for shipbuilding and inland connectivity set the stage for sustained expansion. These advancements promise reduced logistics bottlenecks, strengthened freight forwarding networks, and potentially lower shipping costs, all crucial for global and domestic supply chains.

GetTransport.com fits seamlessly into this evolving logistics environment by offering reliable, affordable, and versatile transport services that cater to everything from commercial freight to personal moves and bulky goods delivery. Leveraging such platforms can simplify complex cargo dispatch needs while ensuring cost-effective and dependable shipping solutions worldwide.