As of February 13, 2026, the cargo handled by Major Ports increased from 581.34 million metric tonnes (MMT) in Financial Year (FY) 2014-15 to 854.86 MMT in FY 2024-25. The cargo handled by Other Than Major Ports (OTMPs) increased from 470.89 MMT to 742.41 MMT during the same period. Major Ports account for 53.52% of the total cargo handled in the country in FY 2024-25. Policy reforms in the Ports, Shipping and Waterways sector focus on a level playing field through open competition and transparent auction methodology, allowing all market players to compete for terminals, berths, facilities, etc. under the Central Government and the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021. The Model Concessionaire Agreement, 2021, provides equal opportunities through a transparent bidding process. 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) is permitted in the sector, opening opportunities for national and international market players. The Government is taking a collaborative approach to promote the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. This information was provided by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The Release ID is 2227665. Visitor Counter: 61.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The ministry responsible for policies and regulations related to ports, shipping, and waterways.
Major Port Authorities Act, 2021: A law governing the administration and management of major ports in India.
Public Private Partnership (PPP): A model for promoting efficiency and productivity in the maritime landscape.
Model Concessionaire Agreement, 2021: An agreement providing equal opportunities to all stakeholders through a transparent bidding process.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
INCREASE IN OPERATIONAL SHARE OF
PRIVATE SECTOR IN PORTS
Posted On: 13 FEB 2026 5:53PM by PIB Delhi
The cargo handled by Major Ports has increased from 581.34 million metric tonnes (MMT) in Financial
Year (FY) 2014-15 to 854.86 MMT in FY 2024-25. During the same period, the cargo handled by Other
Than Major Ports (OTMPs) increased from 470.89 MMT to 742.41 MMT. Therefore, during FY 2024-25,
the Major Ports account for 53.52% of the total cargo handled in the country, and thus remain a dominant
player in the sector.
The policy reforms in the Ports, Shipping and Waterways sector have focused on the creation of a level
playing field through open competition and transparent auction methodology, which allows all market
players to freely compete for terminals, berths, facilities, etc. under the domain of the Central
Government and the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021. Specifically, the Model Concessionaire Agreement,
2021, provides equal opportunities to all stakeholders through a transparent bidding process. Furthermore,
100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector has opened opportunities for investments by national
and international market players. The Government is taking a collaborative approach to promote the
Public Private Partnership (PPP) model in order to enhance efficiency and productivity across the
maritime landscape.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda
Sonowal, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
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PN/IY
(Release ID: 2227665) Visitor Counter : 61
Read this release in: Urdu