- 17-Jul-2025
- Marriage and Divorce Laws
India, being a major maritime nation, has a vast network of ports scattered across its coastline. Ports are crucial for facilitating international trade, as India is heavily reliant on imports and exports for its economic growth. Indian ports are classified into two broad categories: major ports and minor ports. Major ports are those under central government control and are larger in scale, handling a significant portion of India’s cargo. Minor ports, on the other hand, are smaller and fall under the jurisdiction of state governments, focusing more on regional trade.
The term major ports refers to the 13 ports in India that are directly administered by the Central Government under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. These ports are essential for India’s international trade and play a significant role in handling a large proportion of the country’s cargo, including dry bulk, liquid cargo, and containerized goods.
Minor ports, also known as non-major ports, are ports that are smaller in scale and fall under the jurisdiction of state governments or private authorities. These ports usually handle less traffic compared to major ports but are still crucial for regional trade and the transportation of cargo. The state government is primarily responsible for the development, maintenance, and operations of minor ports.
| Aspect | Major Ports | Minor Ports |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Central Government / Public Sector | State Government / Private Ownership |
| Size and Capacity | Larger in size and capacity | Smaller in size and capacity |
| Cargo Handling | Handles large volumes of cargo (international) | Handles regional or lesser cargo volumes |
| Infrastructure | Advanced infrastructure for containerization, cargo handling | Limited infrastructure, less technologically advanced |
| International Connectivity | High, with regular international shipping services | Limited international connectivity |
| Economic Impact | Significant contribution to national economy | Contributes to regional economic growth |
| Regulatory Authority | Managed by Central Port Authorities (e.g., Mumbai Port Trust) | Managed by State Governments or Private Authorities |
Major ports are critical to India's international trade. They handle bulk cargo (like coal, oil, and iron ore), containerized goods, and exports such as textiles, chemicals, and machinery. They contribute to the GDP by supporting industries like shipping, logistics, and manufacturing. For example, Mumbai Port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, and Chennai Port are responsible for a significant portion of India’s foreign trade. These ports also support a large number of jobs and contribute to regional development.
Although minor ports handle smaller volumes of cargo, they play an essential role in regional trade and the economy. They serve as hubs for local industries, such as agriculture, fisheries, and regional exports, thereby supporting smaller businesses and industries. Ports like Mundra, Hazira, and Dhamra are examples of privately-run minor ports that handle specialized cargo such as chemicals, petroleum products, and automobiles.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), located in Navi Mumbai, is one of India’s largest and busiest major ports, handling over 4 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually. JNPT has state-of-the-art facilities for containerized cargo, making it a critical player in global supply chains.
On the other hand, Mundra Port in Gujarat, though considered a minor port, has grown into a significant private port in India. Mundra specializes in handling bulk cargo and containerized goods, and it is one of the fastest-growing ports in the country.
India’s port network is divided into major and minor ports, with each type of port playing a vital role in supporting maritime trade. Major ports handle large-scale international trade and are backed by advanced infrastructure and central government management. Minor ports, though smaller, contribute significantly to regional trade and support local industries. Together, these ports form the backbone of India’s shipping industry, driving economic growth, job creation, and international trade.
Answer By Law4u Team
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