Major Ports Witness 3.75% Growth in Cargo Traffic During May

In May 2024, cargo traffic across 12 major ports in India exhibited a notable increase of 3.75% compared to the corresponding period in 2023. According to data released by the Indian Ports Association (IPA), the total cargo handled surged to 72.04 million tonnes (MT), up from 69.43 MT in May 2023, with nine ports experiencing positive growth.

Among the major ports, Visakhapatnam Port led the growth trajectory with an impressive 22.05% increase in cargo handling, followed by Chennai Port at 9.10%, Cochin Port at 7.78%, and Mumbai Port at 5.89%. Notably, these ports contributed significantly to the overall uptick in cargo traffic during the reporting month.

Conversely, some ports witnessed a decline in cargo handling, with SMP Kolkata Port experiencing the most significant drop at 15.70%, followed by Kamarajar Port and Mormugao Port with declines of 3.58% and 10.55%, respectively. IPA’s analysis further revealed that Deendayal Port emerged as the top performer in terms of traffic volume, handling 12.71 MT of cargo and commanding a 17.64% share of the total cargo across the 12 ports. Paradip Port closely followed with 12.64 MT and a 17.55% share, while Visakhapatnam Port, JNPA, and Mumbai Port also made significant contributions to the overall cargo traffic.

The association attributed the decline in cargo handling at SMP Kolkata Port to reductions in coking coal and other coal by 71.75% and finished fertilizers by 43.53%, among other factors.

Despite challenges and fluctuations in cargo handling across certain ports, the overall growth trend indicates resilience and adaptability within India’s maritime trade sector. As the country continues to navigate through global economic dynamics and trade fluctuations, sustained efforts to enhance port infrastructure and operational efficiency remain paramount for ensuring consistent growth in cargo traffic.