The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s largest container port, has posted a remarkable 11.86% year-on-year increase in container traffic for October 2024, reaching a total of 6,14,651 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). This growth signifies the port’s strong recovery and ongoing role as a critical hub in India’s logistics and trade infrastructure.
The October figures mark a substantial improvement from the 5,49,487 TEUs handled in the same month last year, driven largely by a surge in container rakes and overall cargo handling efficiency. The port has also seen robust performance over the past seven months, with a 13.12% year-on-year increase in total container traffic, which now stands at 4.14 million TEUs. The growth in container traffic is part of a broader trend that has seen the port handle 52.42 million tonnes of total cargo between April and October 2024, reflecting a 5.6% increase compared to the same period last year. This is a positive sign for the Indian economy, which relies heavily on ports like JNPA to facilitate both domestic and international trade.
In October, JNPA handled 562 container rakes, a slight increase from the 555 rakes in the previous year. Despite a slight decrease in the number of TEUs per rake (88,224 TEUs this year versus 88,412 TEUs last year), the port’s capacity utilisation and overall throughput continue to show a strong upward trajectory. This growth comes as the global trade landscape begins to show signs of stabilisation following the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The surge in container traffic also indicates a resilient recovery in India’s manufacturing and export sectors, which have been vital to sustaining economic growth in the post-pandemic era.
From a sustainability perspective, the port’s performance is also promising. Increased cargo handling efficiency, coupled with optimised container handling operations, can help reduce the overall carbon footprint of the logistics sector. With port automation and green logistics initiatives being high on the agenda, JNPA is positioning itself as a key player in the country’s broader push for sustainable development. For many businesses relying on smooth, efficient trade routes, these results are a testament to the resilience of India’s logistics infrastructure. With continued focus on operational excellence and sustainability, JNPA is set to maintain its position as one of the country’s most vital trade gateways.
