The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, has set a new national benchmark by becoming the fastest major port in India to handle 100 million tonnes (MMT) of cargo in the ongoing financial year 2025–26.
The port reached the milestone well ahead of previous years, reflecting a sharp rise in cargo movement and sustained operational momentum.
According to the Kandla Port Authority, the port posted an impressive 6.78 per cent year-on-year growth, underscoring its expanding role in India’s maritime logistics network.
Steep Rise Across Cargo Categories
DPA Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh said that several key cargo categories saw remarkable growth compared to the same period last year.
He highlighted particularly sharp rises in fertilisers, which surged by 81.43 per cent, while iron and steel registered a 50 per cent jump.
The port also recorded a significant 61.4 per cent increase in containerised cargo, alongside a 34.77 per cent rise in POL (Kandla) volumes.
Additionally, wooden logs posted a 22.44 per cent increase, reflecting broad-based expansion across cargo segments.
The authority said this performance reflects the port’s “exceptional operational efficiency, robust cargo-handling capabilities and seamless coordination among all stakeholders and port users.”
It added that reaching 100 MMT so early “positions DPA Kandla at the forefront of India’s maritime growth story,” reinforcing its reputation as the country’s most dependable EXIM gateway.
Aligned With National Maritime Vision
DPA stated that the port’s ability to handle rising volumes across liquid, dry bulk, break-bulk and container cargo supports the Government of India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, aimed at creating world-class port-led infrastructure.
This acceleration, the port said, contributes directly to the national aspiration of Viksit Bharat 2047, with DPA continuing to “maintain its position as India’s top-performing major port, leading by speed, scale and skill.”
Efficiency, Labour Welfare and Future Goals
Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh highlighted the importance of collaboration among port stakeholders.
Speaking to ANI, Singh said, “The Kandla Port team is working to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and position the country’s maritime sector as a global leader, within the limited constraints. We will also exceed the cargo-loading target given to us by the ministry and set a new record. I am proud to say that the Kandla Port has breached 100 million tons of export and set a new record. This 6.7 per cent year-on-year growth shows that the port is unlocking efficiency with stakeholders and port users.”
Singh also stressed the importance of worker welfare and said, “Our labour brothers have the biggest contribution in this, and we will try our best to facilitate them better,” he said, adding that several safety and comfort measures for labourers are being implemented as cargo volumes rise.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal congratulated the DPA team in a statement on X and said, “Heartiest congratulations to Team Deendayal Port on becoming the fastest Major Port to cross 100 MMT in FY 2025-26! Led by the vision of PM Narendra Modi, this is a reflection of the rapid transformation underway across India’s ports and logistics sector. We are building world-class maritime infrastructure & efficient ports for a stronger, future-ready maritime India.”
Boost to Competitiveness and Regional Connectivity
The milestone is expected to enhance India’s maritime competitiveness, improving ease of doing business, trade efficiency and regional connectivity across Gujarat and northern India.
It also strengthens the western coast’s role in the national logistics network, advancing key objectives laid out under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision.