India’s port sector is gearing up for rapid growth—outpacing many global economies—despite a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and global headwinds. According to a new report by PL Capital, robust domestic demand, booming trade volumes, and major infrastructure investments are fuelling this momentum.
“Despite global uncertainty, India’s ports are poised for faster growth, driven by rising consumption and government-led infrastructure projects,” the report notes.
Key Highlights:
- Sustained Growth Trajectory:
Cargo volumes at Indian ports grew at a CAGR of 6.2% from FY2002 to FY2025.
- Non-major ports: CAGR of *9.1%
- ○ Major ports: CAGR of *4.7%
- Expanding Capacity:
India currently operates:
- 12 major ports (central government)
- 200+ non-major ports (state governments)
- Total capacity: ~2,700 million metric tonnes (mmt)
- Target by 2047: 10,000 mmt
- Growth Drivers:
- Government Initiatives: Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti
- Industrial Expansion & Export-oriented manufacturing
- Higher containerisation & multimodal logistics adoption
- Rising private sector participation
- Infrastructure Overhaul:
- Ports are undergoing structural transformation
- Focus on technology-driven efficiencies
- Improved connectivity and capacity expansion
- Strategic Role in Economic Vision:
As India aims to become a $10 trillion economy by FY2030, the port sector is positioned as a core enabler of this growth.
