Major Sea Routes - India | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Major Sea Routes
Introduction
India boasts a vast network of seaports, with 13 major ports, 12 of which are
government-owned and one being privately owned. Additionally, there are 205
notified minor and intermediate ports across the country. These ports handle a
substantial volume of maritime traffic and play a pivotal role in the nation's
development. Sea transport is highly cost-effective, efficient, and crucial for
international trade, accounting for approximately 95 percent of India's trade
volume and 70 percent by value. The major ports are strategically located in the
coastal states of Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, West Bengal,
Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. This article explores the significant sea
ports in India, their characteristics, and their contribution to the nation's trade
and commerce.
The Importance of Ports in India's Development
Transportation through ports offers significant advantages over other modes of
transport. Ports provide cost-effective, efficient, and convenient means of trade
and play a vital role in economic growth. India's extensive coastline, spanning
Page 2


Major Sea Routes
Introduction
India boasts a vast network of seaports, with 13 major ports, 12 of which are
government-owned and one being privately owned. Additionally, there are 205
notified minor and intermediate ports across the country. These ports handle a
substantial volume of maritime traffic and play a pivotal role in the nation's
development. Sea transport is highly cost-effective, efficient, and crucial for
international trade, accounting for approximately 95 percent of India's trade
volume and 70 percent by value. The major ports are strategically located in the
coastal states of Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, West Bengal,
Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. This article explores the significant sea
ports in India, their characteristics, and their contribution to the nation's trade
and commerce.
The Importance of Ports in India's Development
Transportation through ports offers significant advantages over other modes of
transport. Ports provide cost-effective, efficient, and convenient means of trade
and play a vital role in economic growth. India's extensive coastline, spanning
Major Sea Routes
across nine coastal states, houses all the major ports. These ports handle a
substantial volume of container and cargo traffic, facilitating smooth trade
operations. On the west coast, notable ports include Mumbai, Kandla, Mangalore,
JNPT, Vadhavan, Mormugao, and Cochin. On the east coast, important ports
include Chennai, Tuticorin, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Kolkata, and Ennore.
Notably, Ennore is a registered public company with the government holding a
68% stake. Additionally, Port Blair serves the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Mumbai, being the largest natural port in India, holds great significance in the
country's maritime trade.
Administration of Ports
As per India's federal structure, both the central and state governments share the
responsibility of administering maritime transport. The Ministry of Shipping,
under the central government, governs the major ports, while the minor and
intermediate ports are administered by relevant departments or ministries in the
coastal states of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra,
Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
List of Important Major Ports in India
The table below presents a list of major ports in India, categorized based on their
location.
Zone State Port
Eastern Coast Tamil Nadu Chennai Port
Western Coast Kerala Kochi (Cochin) Port
Eastern Coast Tamil Nadu Ennore Port (Kamarajar Port Ltd.)
Eastern Coast West Bengal Kolkata Port (Haldia)
Western Coast Gujarat Kandla Port
Western Coast Karnataka Mangalore Port
Western Coast Goa Mormugao Port
Western Coast Maharashtra Mumbai Port Trust
Western Coast Maharashtra Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)
Western Coast Maharashtra Vadhavan Port
Eastern Coast Odisha Paradip Port
Eastern Coast Tamil Nadu Tuticorin Port
Eastern Coast Andhra Pradesh Visakhapatnam Port
Page 3


Major Sea Routes
Introduction
India boasts a vast network of seaports, with 13 major ports, 12 of which are
government-owned and one being privately owned. Additionally, there are 205
notified minor and intermediate ports across the country. These ports handle a
substantial volume of maritime traffic and play a pivotal role in the nation's
development. Sea transport is highly cost-effective, efficient, and crucial for
international trade, accounting for approximately 95 percent of India's trade
volume and 70 percent by value. The major ports are strategically located in the
coastal states of Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, West Bengal,
Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. This article explores the significant sea
ports in India, their characteristics, and their contribution to the nation's trade
and commerce.
The Importance of Ports in India's Development
Transportation through ports offers significant advantages over other modes of
transport. Ports provide cost-effective, efficient, and convenient means of trade
and play a vital role in economic growth. India's extensive coastline, spanning
Major Sea Routes
across nine coastal states, houses all the major ports. These ports handle a
substantial volume of container and cargo traffic, facilitating smooth trade
operations. On the west coast, notable ports include Mumbai, Kandla, Mangalore,
JNPT, Vadhavan, Mormugao, and Cochin. On the east coast, important ports
include Chennai, Tuticorin, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Kolkata, and Ennore.
Notably, Ennore is a registered public company with the government holding a
68% stake. Additionally, Port Blair serves the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Mumbai, being the largest natural port in India, holds great significance in the
country's maritime trade.
Administration of Ports
As per India's federal structure, both the central and state governments share the
responsibility of administering maritime transport. The Ministry of Shipping,
under the central government, governs the major ports, while the minor and
intermediate ports are administered by relevant departments or ministries in the
coastal states of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra,
Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
List of Important Major Ports in India
The table below presents a list of major ports in India, categorized based on their
location.
Zone State Port
Eastern Coast Tamil Nadu Chennai Port
Western Coast Kerala Kochi (Cochin) Port
Eastern Coast Tamil Nadu Ennore Port (Kamarajar Port Ltd.)
Eastern Coast West Bengal Kolkata Port (Haldia)
Western Coast Gujarat Kandla Port
Western Coast Karnataka Mangalore Port
Western Coast Goa Mormugao Port
Western Coast Maharashtra Mumbai Port Trust
Western Coast Maharashtra Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)
Western Coast Maharashtra Vadhavan Port
Eastern Coast Odisha Paradip Port
Eastern Coast Tamil Nadu Tuticorin Port
Eastern Coast Andhra Pradesh Visakhapatnam Port
Major Sea Routes
1. Chennai Port: Formerly known as Madras Port, Chennai Port is India's
second-largest container port, surpassed only by Mumbai's Nhava Sheva
(JNPT). Located on the Bay of Bengal, it is an artificial, all-weather port with
wet docks. The port's existence played a crucial role in earning Chennai the
title of "Gateway of South India."
2. Kochi (Cochin) Port: Situated on the Arabian Sea - Laccadive Sea - Indian
Ocean sea-route, Cochin Port is one of India's largest ports. It serves as the
first transshipment terminal in the country. The port is located on two
islands, Willingdon Island and Vallarpadam, and serves as a natural gateway
for the industrial and agricultural produce markets of South-West India. It is
renowned for its exports of spices, tea, coffee, and shipbuilding activities.
3. Ennore Port (Kamarajar Port Ltd.): Ennore Port, also known as Kamarajar
Port Ltd., is the twelfth major port in India and the first port to be
established as a public company. Located on the Coromandel Coast, it lies
approximately 24 km north of Chennai Port. Ennore Port handles various
trades, including iron ore, coal, petroleum products, and chemicals.
4. Kolkata Port (Haldia): Kolkata Port, officially known as Syama Prasad
Mookerjee Port Trust, is India's only riverine major port. Situated in
Kolkata, West Bengal, it is around 203 kilometers from the sea. This port,
constructed by the British East India Company, holds the distinction of
being the oldest operating port in India. Known for its twin dock systems,
Kolkata Dock on the eastern bank and Haldia Dock on the western bank of
the river Hooghly, it facilitates trades involving jute, tea, coal, and steel.
5. Kandla Port: Deendayal Port Trust, located in Kandla, Gujarat, is a major
seaport on the Gulf of Kutch. It emerged as a significant port after the
partition when Karachi Port was transferred to Pakistan. Kandla Port acts as
a trade-free zone and offers relief from congestion at Mumbai Port. It is the
largest port in terms of cargo volume and handles a diverse range of goods.
Known as a tidal port, it offers excellent facilities for handling cargo
efficiently.
6. Mangalore Port: Mangalore Port is the only major port in the coastal state
of Karnataka. It is a deepwater, all-weather port primarily involved in iron
ore exports. Mangalore Port is strategically positioned to facilitate smooth
trade operations and contributes to the economic growth of the region.
7. Mormugao Port: Situated on the estuaries of the river Juari, Mormugao
Port is a natural harbor. It obtained the status of a major port in 1963 and
Page 4


Major Sea Routes
Introduction
India boasts a vast network of seaports, with 13 major ports, 12 of which are
government-owned and one being privately owned. Additionally, there are 205
notified minor and intermediate ports across the country. These ports handle a
substantial volume of maritime traffic and play a pivotal role in the nation's
development. Sea transport is highly cost-effective, efficient, and crucial for
international trade, accounting for approximately 95 percent of India's trade
volume and 70 percent by value. The major ports are strategically located in the
coastal states of Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, West Bengal,
Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. This article explores the significant sea
ports in India, their characteristics, and their contribution to the nation's trade
and commerce.
The Importance of Ports in India's Development
Transportation through ports offers significant advantages over other modes of
transport. Ports provide cost-effective, efficient, and convenient means of trade
and play a vital role in economic growth. India's extensive coastline, spanning
Major Sea Routes
across nine coastal states, houses all the major ports. These ports handle a
substantial volume of container and cargo traffic, facilitating smooth trade
operations. On the west coast, notable ports include Mumbai, Kandla, Mangalore,
JNPT, Vadhavan, Mormugao, and Cochin. On the east coast, important ports
include Chennai, Tuticorin, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Kolkata, and Ennore.
Notably, Ennore is a registered public company with the government holding a
68% stake. Additionally, Port Blair serves the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Mumbai, being the largest natural port in India, holds great significance in the
country's maritime trade.
Administration of Ports
As per India's federal structure, both the central and state governments share the
responsibility of administering maritime transport. The Ministry of Shipping,
under the central government, governs the major ports, while the minor and
intermediate ports are administered by relevant departments or ministries in the
coastal states of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra,
Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
List of Important Major Ports in India
The table below presents a list of major ports in India, categorized based on their
location.
Zone State Port
Eastern Coast Tamil Nadu Chennai Port
Western Coast Kerala Kochi (Cochin) Port
Eastern Coast Tamil Nadu Ennore Port (Kamarajar Port Ltd.)
Eastern Coast West Bengal Kolkata Port (Haldia)
Western Coast Gujarat Kandla Port
Western Coast Karnataka Mangalore Port
Western Coast Goa Mormugao Port
Western Coast Maharashtra Mumbai Port Trust
Western Coast Maharashtra Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)
Western Coast Maharashtra Vadhavan Port
Eastern Coast Odisha Paradip Port
Eastern Coast Tamil Nadu Tuticorin Port
Eastern Coast Andhra Pradesh Visakhapatnam Port
Major Sea Routes
1. Chennai Port: Formerly known as Madras Port, Chennai Port is India's
second-largest container port, surpassed only by Mumbai's Nhava Sheva
(JNPT). Located on the Bay of Bengal, it is an artificial, all-weather port with
wet docks. The port's existence played a crucial role in earning Chennai the
title of "Gateway of South India."
2. Kochi (Cochin) Port: Situated on the Arabian Sea - Laccadive Sea - Indian
Ocean sea-route, Cochin Port is one of India's largest ports. It serves as the
first transshipment terminal in the country. The port is located on two
islands, Willingdon Island and Vallarpadam, and serves as a natural gateway
for the industrial and agricultural produce markets of South-West India. It is
renowned for its exports of spices, tea, coffee, and shipbuilding activities.
3. Ennore Port (Kamarajar Port Ltd.): Ennore Port, also known as Kamarajar
Port Ltd., is the twelfth major port in India and the first port to be
established as a public company. Located on the Coromandel Coast, it lies
approximately 24 km north of Chennai Port. Ennore Port handles various
trades, including iron ore, coal, petroleum products, and chemicals.
4. Kolkata Port (Haldia): Kolkata Port, officially known as Syama Prasad
Mookerjee Port Trust, is India's only riverine major port. Situated in
Kolkata, West Bengal, it is around 203 kilometers from the sea. This port,
constructed by the British East India Company, holds the distinction of
being the oldest operating port in India. Known for its twin dock systems,
Kolkata Dock on the eastern bank and Haldia Dock on the western bank of
the river Hooghly, it facilitates trades involving jute, tea, coal, and steel.
5. Kandla Port: Deendayal Port Trust, located in Kandla, Gujarat, is a major
seaport on the Gulf of Kutch. It emerged as a significant port after the
partition when Karachi Port was transferred to Pakistan. Kandla Port acts as
a trade-free zone and offers relief from congestion at Mumbai Port. It is the
largest port in terms of cargo volume and handles a diverse range of goods.
Known as a tidal port, it offers excellent facilities for handling cargo
efficiently.
6. Mangalore Port: Mangalore Port is the only major port in the coastal state
of Karnataka. It is a deepwater, all-weather port primarily involved in iron
ore exports. Mangalore Port is strategically positioned to facilitate smooth
trade operations and contributes to the economic growth of the region.
7. Mormugao Port: Situated on the estuaries of the river Juari, Mormugao
Port is a natural harbor. It obtained the status of a major port in 1963 and
Major Sea Routes
emerged as a leading exporter of iron ore in India. Located in Goa,
Mormugao Port plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade.
8. Mumbai Port Trust: Mumbai Port Trust, the largest natural port and harbor
in India, has a rich historical significance. It served as a naval location during
the reign of Shivaji. Mumbai Port features three enclosed wet docks:
Prince's Dock, Victoria Dock, and Indira Dock. Known as the busiest port in
India, it is located on Jawahar Dweep, an island within the harbor. The port
handles a wide range of cargo, including crude oil and petroleum products.
9. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT): Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust,
commonly known as Nhava Sheva (Navi Mumbai), is the first major port in
India to become a 100% landlord port. All berths at JNPT are operated on a
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The port is named after the nearby
villages of Nhava and Sheva. With state-of-the-art facilities, JNPT is the
largest artificial port and the leading container port in India. It commenced
operations in 1989 and has transformed into a premier container port over
the years. JNPT is located on the eastern shore of Mumbai harbor,
accessible via Thane Creek. It serves as the terminal point of the Western
Dedicated Freight Corridor of Indian Railways.
10. Vadhavan Port: Vadhavan Port, currently under development, will be
India's thirteenth major port. Its establishment will position India among
the top ten container ports worldwide. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)
will take the lead, forming a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with equity
participation equal to or more than 50% to implement the project.
Vadhavan Port is planned as an all-weather, all-cargo satellite port to
enhance the handling capabilities of deep draft ships and larger vessels.
11. Paradip Port: Paradip Port, commissioned as the first major port after
India's independence, is located at the confluence of the Mahanadi river
and the Bay of Bengal. It serves as a crucial hub for exporting iron,
aluminum, and iron ore to Japan in significant quantities.
12. Tuticorin Port (V.O.Chidambaranar Port): Tuticorin Port, also known as
V.O.Chidambaranar Port, is an artificial port situated in the Gulf of Mannar.
It is famous for its pearl fishery and is often referred to as the pearl city.
The port facilitates trades involving coal, salt, petroleum products, and
fertilizers.
13. Visakhapatnam Port: Visakhapatnam Port, a natural harbor, ranks as the
second-largest port in India based on cargo volume. Located midway
between Chennai Port and Kolkata Port, it is the deepest port in the
Page 5


Major Sea Routes
Introduction
India boasts a vast network of seaports, with 13 major ports, 12 of which are
government-owned and one being privately owned. Additionally, there are 205
notified minor and intermediate ports across the country. These ports handle a
substantial volume of maritime traffic and play a pivotal role in the nation's
development. Sea transport is highly cost-effective, efficient, and crucial for
international trade, accounting for approximately 95 percent of India's trade
volume and 70 percent by value. The major ports are strategically located in the
coastal states of Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, West Bengal,
Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. This article explores the significant sea
ports in India, their characteristics, and their contribution to the nation's trade
and commerce.
The Importance of Ports in India's Development
Transportation through ports offers significant advantages over other modes of
transport. Ports provide cost-effective, efficient, and convenient means of trade
and play a vital role in economic growth. India's extensive coastline, spanning
Major Sea Routes
across nine coastal states, houses all the major ports. These ports handle a
substantial volume of container and cargo traffic, facilitating smooth trade
operations. On the west coast, notable ports include Mumbai, Kandla, Mangalore,
JNPT, Vadhavan, Mormugao, and Cochin. On the east coast, important ports
include Chennai, Tuticorin, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Kolkata, and Ennore.
Notably, Ennore is a registered public company with the government holding a
68% stake. Additionally, Port Blair serves the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Mumbai, being the largest natural port in India, holds great significance in the
country's maritime trade.
Administration of Ports
As per India's federal structure, both the central and state governments share the
responsibility of administering maritime transport. The Ministry of Shipping,
under the central government, governs the major ports, while the minor and
intermediate ports are administered by relevant departments or ministries in the
coastal states of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra,
Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
List of Important Major Ports in India
The table below presents a list of major ports in India, categorized based on their
location.
Zone State Port
Eastern Coast Tamil Nadu Chennai Port
Western Coast Kerala Kochi (Cochin) Port
Eastern Coast Tamil Nadu Ennore Port (Kamarajar Port Ltd.)
Eastern Coast West Bengal Kolkata Port (Haldia)
Western Coast Gujarat Kandla Port
Western Coast Karnataka Mangalore Port
Western Coast Goa Mormugao Port
Western Coast Maharashtra Mumbai Port Trust
Western Coast Maharashtra Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)
Western Coast Maharashtra Vadhavan Port
Eastern Coast Odisha Paradip Port
Eastern Coast Tamil Nadu Tuticorin Port
Eastern Coast Andhra Pradesh Visakhapatnam Port
Major Sea Routes
1. Chennai Port: Formerly known as Madras Port, Chennai Port is India's
second-largest container port, surpassed only by Mumbai's Nhava Sheva
(JNPT). Located on the Bay of Bengal, it is an artificial, all-weather port with
wet docks. The port's existence played a crucial role in earning Chennai the
title of "Gateway of South India."
2. Kochi (Cochin) Port: Situated on the Arabian Sea - Laccadive Sea - Indian
Ocean sea-route, Cochin Port is one of India's largest ports. It serves as the
first transshipment terminal in the country. The port is located on two
islands, Willingdon Island and Vallarpadam, and serves as a natural gateway
for the industrial and agricultural produce markets of South-West India. It is
renowned for its exports of spices, tea, coffee, and shipbuilding activities.
3. Ennore Port (Kamarajar Port Ltd.): Ennore Port, also known as Kamarajar
Port Ltd., is the twelfth major port in India and the first port to be
established as a public company. Located on the Coromandel Coast, it lies
approximately 24 km north of Chennai Port. Ennore Port handles various
trades, including iron ore, coal, petroleum products, and chemicals.
4. Kolkata Port (Haldia): Kolkata Port, officially known as Syama Prasad
Mookerjee Port Trust, is India's only riverine major port. Situated in
Kolkata, West Bengal, it is around 203 kilometers from the sea. This port,
constructed by the British East India Company, holds the distinction of
being the oldest operating port in India. Known for its twin dock systems,
Kolkata Dock on the eastern bank and Haldia Dock on the western bank of
the river Hooghly, it facilitates trades involving jute, tea, coal, and steel.
5. Kandla Port: Deendayal Port Trust, located in Kandla, Gujarat, is a major
seaport on the Gulf of Kutch. It emerged as a significant port after the
partition when Karachi Port was transferred to Pakistan. Kandla Port acts as
a trade-free zone and offers relief from congestion at Mumbai Port. It is the
largest port in terms of cargo volume and handles a diverse range of goods.
Known as a tidal port, it offers excellent facilities for handling cargo
efficiently.
6. Mangalore Port: Mangalore Port is the only major port in the coastal state
of Karnataka. It is a deepwater, all-weather port primarily involved in iron
ore exports. Mangalore Port is strategically positioned to facilitate smooth
trade operations and contributes to the economic growth of the region.
7. Mormugao Port: Situated on the estuaries of the river Juari, Mormugao
Port is a natural harbor. It obtained the status of a major port in 1963 and
Major Sea Routes
emerged as a leading exporter of iron ore in India. Located in Goa,
Mormugao Port plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade.
8. Mumbai Port Trust: Mumbai Port Trust, the largest natural port and harbor
in India, has a rich historical significance. It served as a naval location during
the reign of Shivaji. Mumbai Port features three enclosed wet docks:
Prince's Dock, Victoria Dock, and Indira Dock. Known as the busiest port in
India, it is located on Jawahar Dweep, an island within the harbor. The port
handles a wide range of cargo, including crude oil and petroleum products.
9. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT): Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust,
commonly known as Nhava Sheva (Navi Mumbai), is the first major port in
India to become a 100% landlord port. All berths at JNPT are operated on a
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The port is named after the nearby
villages of Nhava and Sheva. With state-of-the-art facilities, JNPT is the
largest artificial port and the leading container port in India. It commenced
operations in 1989 and has transformed into a premier container port over
the years. JNPT is located on the eastern shore of Mumbai harbor,
accessible via Thane Creek. It serves as the terminal point of the Western
Dedicated Freight Corridor of Indian Railways.
10. Vadhavan Port: Vadhavan Port, currently under development, will be
India's thirteenth major port. Its establishment will position India among
the top ten container ports worldwide. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)
will take the lead, forming a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with equity
participation equal to or more than 50% to implement the project.
Vadhavan Port is planned as an all-weather, all-cargo satellite port to
enhance the handling capabilities of deep draft ships and larger vessels.
11. Paradip Port: Paradip Port, commissioned as the first major port after
India's independence, is located at the confluence of the Mahanadi river
and the Bay of Bengal. It serves as a crucial hub for exporting iron,
aluminum, and iron ore to Japan in significant quantities.
12. Tuticorin Port (V.O.Chidambaranar Port): Tuticorin Port, also known as
V.O.Chidambaranar Port, is an artificial port situated in the Gulf of Mannar.
It is famous for its pearl fishery and is often referred to as the pearl city.
The port facilitates trades involving coal, salt, petroleum products, and
fertilizers.
13. Visakhapatnam Port: Visakhapatnam Port, a natural harbor, ranks as the
second-largest port in India based on cargo volume. Located midway
between Chennai Port and Kolkata Port, it is the deepest port in the
Major Sea Routes
country. Visakhapatnam Port plays a crucial role in exporting iron ore to
Japan and offers excellent facilities for shipbuilding and repairs. The port
handles various trades, including iron ore, coal, alumina, and oil.
Port Blair
Port Blair, situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is connected to the
mainland of India through both ship and flight services. It serves as a significant
port and is located between two international shipping lines, namely Saudi Arabia
and the US Singapore.