Non-Major Port in India: Dahej

Major and non-major ports are categories used to classify ports in India based on their size, cargo handling capacity, and operational capabilities. While major ports are larger and handle a significant volume of cargo, non-major ports are smaller and handle a relatively smaller volume of cargo.

In this case, the correct answer is option 'B': Dahej. Let's understand why Dahej is classified as a non-major port.

Overview of Dahej Port:
- Dahej is located in the Bharuch district of Gujarat, India.
- It is situated on the Gulf of Khambhat and is a part of the Dahej Petroleum, Chemical, and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR).
- Dahej port is primarily an industrial port that mainly caters to the petroleum, chemical, and petrochemical industries.
- The port is well-connected by road and rail networks, making it an important hub for the transportation of goods.

Reasons why Dahej is a Non-Major Port:
1. Size and Capacity:
- Non-major ports are generally smaller in size compared to major ports. While major ports have extensive infrastructure and handle a significant volume of cargo, non-major ports have relatively limited infrastructure and handle a smaller volume of cargo.
- Dahej port, although significant for the industries it serves, does not have the same scale as major ports like Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata.

2. Cargo Handling:
- Major ports handle a diverse range of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and liquid cargo. They often have specialized facilities and equipment to handle different types of cargo.
- Non-major ports, on the other hand, may be specialized in handling specific types of cargo or serve specific industries.
- Dahej port primarily focuses on handling petroleum, chemical, and petrochemical cargo. While it plays a crucial role in the transportation of goods for these industries, its cargo handling capacity is limited compared to major ports.

3. Operational Capabilities:
- Major ports usually have well-developed infrastructure, including berths, cargo handling equipment, storage facilities, and connectivity to road and rail networks.
- Non-major ports may have comparatively limited infrastructure and may rely on nearby major ports for certain operational capabilities.
- While Dahej port has adequate infrastructure for the industries it serves, it may not have the same level of operational capabilities as major ports.

Conclusion:
Based on the above reasons, Dahej port is categorized as a non-major port in India. It is a specialized industrial port primarily serving the petroleum, chemical, and petrochemical industries. While it is a vital port for these industries, its size, cargo handling capacity, and operational capabilities are relatively smaller compared to major ports in India.

Dahej is a non - major port.