In India, there are around 13 Major ports and 205 notified minor and  Intermediate ports. The major and intermediate ports are managed by the shipping ministry while the minor ports are administrated by the state government in where it is located. All the major seaports in India are situated in the 9 coastal states of India. Indian ports and the shipping industry the important places in the growth of the country's trade and commerce. The Indian Government significantly contributes to the development of the ports sector by permitting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of up to 100% through the automatic route for projects related to the construction and maintenance of ports and harbours.

"In 2020, JNPT - Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust won the Best Global Port in India for the third time in the Atal Shastra Markenomy Award 2020"

This article, the list of major seaports in India will discuss the what are the major seaports of India, state-wise list and major exports, zone-wise important seaports, major and minor seaports in India, and 13 major ports in India. A PDF format of the list is attached with this article for download and any queries check the FAQ section given below.

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List of Major Sea Ports in India PDF

Here we have uploaded the list of major seaports in India pdf. This list of major seaports in India pdf is for those who are sincerely preparing for the government exams. The list of major seaports in India pdf will help you to enhance your preparation and make you an expert in the list of major seaports in India.

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List of Major Sea Ports in India Map

What are the major seaports of India?

In India, the total number of major seaports in India is 13 and there are more than 180 minor ports that handle a huge volume of traffic. Mumbai Port Trust (Bombay Port Trust) is one of the largest national seaports in India.

The thirteen major seaports in India include

• Kochi Port in Kerala,

• Ennore in Tamil Nadu,

• Haldia in West Bengal,

• Kolkata Port in West Bengal,

• Kandla in Gujarat,

• Mangalore in Karnataka,

• Marmagoa in Goa,

• Mumbai Port in Maharashtra,

• Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Maharashtra,

• Paradip in Odisha,

• Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu,

• Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh,

• and Chennai in Tamil Nadu. 

Major Sea Ports in India List

The below table shows the states, seaports, and major exports of the major seaports in India. Aspirants who want to achieve more marks in the static gk section can make use of this table to familiarise themselves with the list of major seaports in India.

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Important Seaports in India Zone Wise

Here we have provided the table below, which covers the important major seaports in india zone-wise. Candidates can go through the important seaports in india zone-wise to know the major seaports in India. 

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Seaports in Tamilnadu: Major and Minor

The state of Tamil Nadu has a natural coastline of a length of 992 km. Tamilnadu has 3 major ports and 15 minor ports situated around the state. The three major ports of Taminadu are Ennore Port, Tuticorin Port, and Chennai Port.

List of Major Ports in detail:

There are 13 seaports in India at present. We will see the details about these 13 seaports below. For all the government exams such as Bank, SSC, Railways, UPSC, and more, the aspirants must know about the list of major ports in detail.

1. Kochi port: It is located on Willington Island’s southwestern coast in Kerala, India. Kochi Port is India’s second-largest natural seaport. It is also referred to as a natural gateway for southwest India’s industrial and agricultural markets. One of the main shipbuilding centres is there. Coffee, tea, and spices are all shipped from Kochi Port.

2. Ennore Port: Ennore Port is situated On the Coromandel Coast in Tamil Nadu, India. It is known as the first corporatized port in India. It comes in at number 12 on the list of major seaports and it is situated about 24 kilometres from Chennai Port. Iron ore, gasoline, coal, and chemicals are all exported through Ennore port.

3. Haldia Port: Besides the Hugli River in West Bengal, India, where the Haldia Port is situated. This primarily serves to relieve some of Kolkata Port’s load by sharing the export work. Jute, steel, iron ore, etc. are all shipped through Haldia port.

4. Kolkata Port: Kolkata Port is the only significant riverine port in India and is located in West Bengal. From the eastern and western banks of the Hugli River, respectively, the Kolkata Port and the Haldia Port form the twin dock systems. Things like iron ore, tea, coal, steel, and a significant amount of jute are also shipped from Kolkata Port.

5. Kandla Port: Kandla Port is situated in Gujarat, India’s Gulf of Kutch. This port was built after the division and it is known as a tide port. Mumbai Port is relieved of some of its burden by the Kandla Port. It is also recognised as a commerce-free zone, it is a well-known port.

6. Mangalore Port: Mangalore Port is situated in India’s Karnataka state. It is an all-weather harbour with deep water. In Karnataka, there is only one significant port, which is called Mangalore Port. Iron ore exports make up the bulk of its business.

7. Marmagoa Port: Marmagoa Port is found in the River Juari estuaries in Goa, India. As well as, it has a natural harbour, and in 1963 it received the designation of a significant port. Iron ore is another major export from the Marmagoa port.

8. Mumbai Port: Mumbai Port is located in Maharashtra, India. It had previously been located by Shivaji’s navies. It is India’s busiest port and the largest natural port of India. Three docks—Dock, Prince’s Victoria Dock, and Indira Dock—make up the port. Textiles, manganese, equipment, leather, chemical items, etc. are all shipped through Mumbai Port.

9. Jawaharlal Nehru Port: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India’s Eastern Shore, where the Jawaharlal Port is situated. It is India’s largest container port and largest artificial port, respectively. Due to the existence of the aforementioned communities in the region, this port is also referred to as Nhava Sheva Port. Textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, carpets, etc. are shipped from Jawaharlal Nehru port.

10. Paradip Port: In the Indian state of Odisha, the Paradip Port is situated where the Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal meet. It is India's first significant port since Independence Day. Aluminium, iron, and iron ore are all shipped through Paradip port. Japan is the country with which the export market is the largest.

11. Tuticorin Port: In Tamil Nadu, India, near the Gulf of Mannar where the Tuticorin port is situated. The port was once known as V.O. Chidambaranar Port. This port is a man-made port that is well-known for its pearl fishing. Due to the pearl fishery in the Bay of Bengal, Tuticorin is often referred to as “Pearl City.” Salt, fertiliser, oil, coal, and other commodities are exported from Tuticorin.

12. Vishakhapatnam Port: Vishakhapatnam Port is situated in Andhra Pradesh, India, halfway between the ports of Chennai and Kolkata. It is a natural harbour and the second-largest port in terms of cargo handled. Coal, alumina, oil, and coals are all shipped from Vishakhapatnam port.

13. Chennai Port: Chennai Port is located in Tamilnadu, India. It is India’s second-largest port after Jawaharlal Nehru Port and it is the largest port on the country’s east coast. Additionally, it is a man-made harbour. Chennai port's exports include items like rice, textiles, and leather.

FAQs 

Q. How many seaports are there in India?

A. There are 13 major seaports in India and more than 180 minor seaports.

Q. Which seaport is India’s First corporatized port.?

A. Ennore seaport is India’s first corporatized port.

Q. The Chennai seaport is in which zone?

A. The Chennai seaport is in the Eastern coast zone.

Q. Kandla seaport is situated in which state of India?

A. Kandla seaport is situated in Gujarat state of India.