Kandla International Container Terminal (KICT)
About KICT
KICT is a container terminal at Deendayal Port (Kandla) in Gujarat, India, operated by J M Baxi Ports & Logistics. It has an installed capacity of 750,000 TEUs per annum and handles 620,000 TEUs.
The KICT is a premier deep-water terminal at Deendayal Port (formerly Kandla Port) in Kutch district, Gujarat. Established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), it is the closest container gateway to the vast industrial and agricultural hinterlands of North and Northwest India. KICT is strategically situated on the shores of Kandla Creek in the Gulf of Kutch.
The terminal is operated by the J M Baxi Group (through its port arm, J M Baxi Ports & Logistics) under a 30-year concession agreement with the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA). It operates on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis.
Notably, the global shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd holds a 49% strategic stake in J M Baxi Ports & Logistics, providing KICT with strong global synergies and guaranteed cargo volumes. KICT serves as a critical hub for both international and coastal trade. Regular services, such as the NMG Service (operated by Transworld and X-Press Feeders), connect Kandla to Jebel Ali and Bandar Abbas.
Approximately 40% of the terminal’s services are dedicated to coastal movements, linking Kandla to South Indian ports such as Kochi and Tuticorin. Following the partnership, there has been a significant increase in feeder services connecting KICT to transhipment hubs for European and American routes. As of January 21, 2026, the Indian government has revoked the partial easing of cabotage rules. The Coastal Shipping Act 2025 aims to boost the domestic fleet. Foreign vessels now require a specific license from the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to carry coastal cargo.
Facilities & infrastructure
- 2 dedicated berths (Nos. 11 and 12), with a total quay length of 545 metres and a dredged depth of 14.1 metres
- 13.82-hectare container yard with 2,688 ground slots
- 104 reefer plug points to support the region’s agricultural exports
- An 8-lane automated gate complex with a 100-tonne weighbridge
Why shippers choose KICT
- It is the closest terminal to the North Indian hinterland, reducing road haulage distances by 75 km compared with Mundra or Pipavav
- Access to 15 million sq. ft. of affordable warehousing in the Gandhidham complex, ideal for local rice and timber stuffing
- Positioned for 24/7 navigation, with a draft accommodating vessels up to 65,000 DWT
- The primary and most economical choice for Morbi’s massive tile and sanitaryware industry
Shipping lines & services
Hinterland connectivity
Rail & road
KICT is the primary outlet for major Inland Container Depots (ICDs) in Sonepat, Ludhiana, and the NCR. Rail connectivity is a major pillar of KICT. CONCOR operates dedicated rakes, including rice-laden trains from DICT Sonepat, directly to the terminal’s adjacent rail siding. Private operators such as Adani Logistics and Gateway Rail also run frequent services, utilising the terminal’s capacity to handle up to 4 rakes per day.
CFS & warehousing
It services over 10 CFSs in the Gandhidham-Kandla complex, including facilities operated by CWC, CONCOR, and AV Joshi.
Frequently asked questions
Who operates KICT?
KICT is operated by J M Baxi Ports & Logistics.
What is the capacity of KICT?
Installed capacity is 750,000 TEUs per annum. Throughput was 620,000 TEUs, or 83% utilisation.
What is the port code for KICT?
The UN/LOCODE-style port code is INIXY.
Where is KICT located?
KICT is located at Berth no 11 & 12, Deendayal Port, New Kandla, Kutch-370 210, Gujarat, India.
How is KICT connected by rail and road?
KICT is the primary outlet for ICDs in Sonepat, Ludhiana and the NCR. CONCOR, Adani Logistics and Gateway Rail run rakes to its adjacent rail siding, which can handle up to 4 rakes per day.
Which CFS facilities serve KICT?
It services over 10 CFSs in the Gandhidham-Kandla complex, including facilities operated by CWC, CONCOR, and AV Joshi.
In the news
Classification
Source: South Asia Container Market Report 2026, p. 49. Last updated Jan 2026.
