Kandla Port Sets Record with 160 Million Tons Cargo in FY26

Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla) has set a new national record by handling 160.11 million metric tons of cargo in the 2025-26 financial year, the highest ever for any Indian major port. The port authority, now ranked India's number one major port, achieved 7% year-on-year growth from a high baseline of 150 MMT the previous year. Significant volume increases were seen in container cargo (54%), fertilizers (32%), and liquid cargo (23.4%), which compensated for declines in other commodities. Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh announced the milestone on National Maritime Day and revealed the port is now targeting 170 MMT while pioneering methanol bunkering trials.

Key Points: Kandla Port Handles Record 160 MMT Cargo, Aims for 170 MMT

  • Record 160.11 MMT cargo handled
  • Aims for 170 MMT target
  • India's first methanol bunkering trial
  • 7% year-on-year growth
  • Top performer among major ports
2 min read

In FY 2025-26, Kandla port handled highest volume of cargo: Chairman DPA Sushil Kumar Singh

Deendayal Port Authority (Kandla) achieves historic 160.11 MMT cargo handling in FY 2025-26, becoming India's top major port with 7% growth.

"Kandla port has handled the highest volume of cargo of 160.11 million metric tons, which is the highest in the history of any major port. - Sushil Kumar Singh"

Kandla, April 5

Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority Sushil Kumar Singh, on National Maritime Day, said that Kandla port has handled the highest volume of cargo, asserting that India's first port, where we have conducted a trial of methanol bunkering.

"In the past financial year, 2025-26, Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla port, has handled the highest volume of cargo of 160.11 million metric tons, which is the highest in the history of any major port. Kandla port has achieved a new historic level. We are aiming for 170 million metric tons. This is India's first port where we have conducted a trial of methanol bunkering," Sushil told ANI.

Earlier, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, has crossed the historic 160 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) mark in cargo handling for the financial year 2025-26, achieving an unprecedented 160.11 MMT the highest-ever cargo volume handled in the history of Major Ports.

The release stated that DPA has secured the position of India's number one major port. It is the best performer among all major ports in the country, leading in cargo throughput. The port has demonstrated unmatched growth, increasing its cargo handling from 150 million tons last year to 160 million tons this year, marking a 7% year-on-year growth over an already high baseline.

This monumental feat is a testament to the relentless efforts of the port's leadership, employees, dock workers, trade unions, PPP operators, all stakeholders and dedicated Shramiks, who have contributed to making DPA a beacon of operational excellence and national pride.

There has been around a 32 per cent increase in fertilisers, a 23.4 per cent increase in liquid cargo and a 54 per cent increase in Container cargo. Other commodities that added to Kandla's volumes are Iron & Steel (43 per cent growth) & Clay (17 per cent growth).

However, there has been a drop in certain commodities like Timber (4.3per cent drop), Salt (12.4per cent drop), Crude & POL at Vadinar (5 per cent drop) & Coal (2.8per cent drop).

In spite of these reductions in certain commodities, Kandla Port has compensated these shortfall by increased volume of Container traffic, Fertilizer and liquid Cargo at Kandla and has crossed 160.11 Million Tons.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great achievement, but I hope this growth is sustainable and benefits the local communities in Gujarat as well. Sometimes these mega-projects don't trickle down to the common people. Still, proud moment for Indian maritime!
R
Rohit P
The numbers are impressive, especially the 54% jump in container cargo. Shows our export-import activity is booming. However, the drop in coal and crude is a bit concerning. Hope it's a temporary blip and not a sign of slowing industrial demand.
S
Sarah B
As someone in the logistics sector, this is very encouraging. Efficient ports are crucial for reducing costs and improving India's competitiveness globally. Kudos to the entire team at Kandla for this record-breaking performance!
V
Vikram M
Historic achievement indeed! From what I understand, Kandla has a strategic location. This success should be a blueprint for other major ports like JNPT and Chennai. Let's aim for the top 10 global ports list next!
K
Karthik V
While the headline number is great, the article mentions a drop in several key commodities. It's important to analyze why that happened. Is it due to global market conditions or are there operational issues at Vadinar? A balanced view is needed beyond just celebrating the total tonnage.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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