Deendayal Port Authority named Best Non-Containerised Port at India Maritime Awards 2026
Kandla, July 30
Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla has been honoured with the India Maritime Award 2026 in the Best Port of the Year category, recognising its performance and operational excellence.
The award was received by Ratna Sekhar Rao, Traffic Manager, Deendayal Port Authority, at a ceremony organised by Daily Shipping Times in Mumbai.
DPA Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, dedicated the recognition to the port's stakeholders, port users, trade unions, officials, employees, Shramiks and every member of the DPA family, saying their collective efforts have continued to drive the port's success.
The award comes days after Deendayal Port Authority created a new national record by handling 7,83,816 metric tonnes of cargo in a single day, surpassing its previous record of 7,78,570 metric tonnes achieved on June 17. The Offshore Oil Terminal at Vadinar also established a new 24-hour benchmark by handling 5,09,101 metric tonnes of liquid cargo, exceeding its earlier record. The port had described the achievement as a reflection of coordinated efforts by stakeholders across the logistics and maritime value chain.
According to DPA, the latest award recognises the port's sustained operational performance and contribution to the country's maritime sector.
The authority has consistently credited its achievements to the coordinated efforts of exporters, importers, shipping lines, vessel agents, terminal operators, Customs House Agents, truck drivers, trade associations and employees working across the port ecosystem.
The recognition adds to Deendayal Port Authority's recent operational milestones and underscores its continued focus on improving cargo handling efficiency and service delivery at one of the country's key non-containerised ports.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is impressive efficiency. As someone who works in logistics, I know how hard it is to handle 7.8 lakh tonnes in a day. Deendayal Port is setting benchmarks that many global ports would envy. Well deserved award.
Great news for Kandla and the whole region! But I hope they also focus on reducing pollution around the port area — local residents have been complaining for years. Development and environment must go hand in hand. Still, congratulations to the team! 🎉
Kudos to Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh and the entire DPA family! This award plus the record-breaking cargo handling shows the port is on a roll. Especially proud of the Vadinar offshore terminal — handling over 5 lakh tonnes of liquid cargo in a day is no joke. India shining! ✨
Impressive numbers. But I'm curious — how does this compare to other major non-containerized ports in Asia? Would love to see some international benchmarking. Still, a win for Indian infrastructure and logistics.
Yeh award sahi mein deserve kiya hai! 💪 Deendayal Port has come a long way. I remember when it used to take days to clear cargo, now they're breaking records. But please also upgrade the road connectivity to the port — truck drivers face too much traffic jams. Tab hi real 'operational excellence' hoga!
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