Summary
Cargo traffic at India’s major ports rose 8% year on year in April-September 2026, faster than the growth seen in the first four months of the fiscal. Coking coal and iron ore volumes rose strongly, while container traffic at JNPA and Deendayal Port’s bulk volumes stood out, as India’s export momentum fed through to port activity.
Article
Major ports cargo traffic increased 8% year on year during April-September 2026, the first half of 2026-27, reflecting stronger trade flows and port activity across key commodities. The growth was supported by higher volumes of containers, coal, petroleum products, iron ore and other bulk cargo.
How fast is cargo growing?
The pace has picked up as the year has progressed. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways data showed that cargo at major ports grew 6.84% in April-July 2026, which means growth strengthened in August and September to lift the half-year figure to 8%.
For comparison, the major ports handled 437.43 million tonnes (MT) in April-September 2025, up 5.75% on the previous year. An 8% rise on that base would place first-half volumes this year at roughly 472 MT. Detailed port-wise totals for the period are yet to be published.
Which commodities drove the growth?
Raw materials for the steel industry recorded strong gains. Coking coal imports through major ports rose 10.07% to 33.53 MT, while iron ore and pellets increased 7.25% to 25.24 MT during April-September 2026.
Container traffic also rose sharply, led by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). The port handled 4.66 million TEUs in the first half, up 17.61%, and a record 834,697 TEUs in September alone. JNPA’s total cargo rose 13.36% to 56.26 MT.
How did individual ports perform?
Deendayal Port in Kandla crossed 70.03 MT by late August, a 23% increase year on year, becoming the fastest major port to reach the 70 MT mark this fiscal. It did so 32 days earlier than last year.
Paradip Port handled 52.66 MT in April-July. On September 6 it berthed its first Capesize vessel at Western Dock-1, a step towards handling larger bulk carriers. Adani Ports has also received the letter of award for Paradip’s CQ-1 and CQ-2 dry bulk berths, which will add about 18 MT of capacity under a 30-year PPP concession.
On the west coast, Cochin Port handled 3.81 lakh TEUs in April-August, up 18.53%, including a monthly record of 97,952 TEUs in August.
How does this compare with last year?
India’s major ports handled a record 915.17 MT in 2025-26, exceeding the annual target of 904 MT with growth of 7.06%. Deendayal led that year with 160.11 MT, followed by Paradip at 156.45 MT and JNPA at 102.01 MT. If current momentum holds, the major ports are on course to surpass that record this fiscal.
What is driving demand?
The cargo growth coincides with a strong run in India’s trade. Total goods and services exports rose 15.55% to $399.27 billion in April-August 2026, with merchandise exports up 17.85%. Electronics and engineering shipments, which move largely in containers, posted particularly strong gains.
Private ports are growing in parallel. Adani Ports handled 280 MMT in the first half of FY27, up 15% year on year, driven by containers and dry cargo.
What does it mean for the sector?
Faster growth in the second quarter points to rising demand for berth capacity, deeper drafts and hinterland connectivity. The combination of strong steel raw material imports, export-led container growth and capacity additions such as Paradip’s new berths suggests major ports will remain under pressure to expand handling capacity and improve evacuation by rail and road in the second half of the year.
FAQs
How much did major ports cargo traffic grow in April-September 2026?
Cargo traffic at India’s major ports grew 8% year on year during the first half of 2026-27.
Which commodities grew the most?
Coking coal imports rose 10.07% to 33.53 MT, and iron ore and pellets increased 7.25% to 25.24 MT.
How did JNPA perform in the first half?
JNPA handled 4.66 million TEUs, up 17.61%, and 56.26 MT of total cargo, up 13.36%.
How much cargo did major ports handle in FY26?
India’s major ports handled a record 915.17 MT in 2025-26, up 7.06% and above the 904 MT target.
Is growth accelerating?
Yes. Growth was 6.84% in April-July 2026 and rose to 8% for the full April-September period.
