Kandla Deendayal Port Authority has achieved a major operational breakthrough by crossing the 150 million tonnes cargo handling mark in the financial year 2024–25, a feat that underscores India’s growing maritime ambitions and signals a strategic shift toward greener, stakeholder-driven port operations. With 150.16 million tonnes of cargo moved, the Gujarat-based port has not only met but marginally exceeded its self-imposed target, positioning itself as a high-performing node in the country’s logistics and trade ecosystem.
This landmark performance is a reflection of a broader transformation in port governance, one that has prioritised collaborative engagement with cargo handlers, shipping agents, and other stakeholders in the maritime value chain. By inviting users of the port to flag operational constraints and recommend actionable reforms, the Port Authority created a feedback loop that helped identify pain points from the ground up. The inputs were not only taken seriously but acted upon swiftly, leading to revised procedures, quicker cargo clearances, and leaner logistics operations. The approach, grounded in participative decision-making, signals a refreshing shift from conventional top-down port administration.
What makes this milestone particularly significant is the emphasis placed on sustainable growth. The port’s leadership is actively aligning with national maritime policies that advocate for low-carbon transport systems. Kandla’s strategic location along global trade corridors has made it a prime candidate for pioneering methanol bunkering—a cleaner, low-emission alternative to traditional marine fuels. This transition toward green fuel infrastructure could serve as a model for other Indian ports aspiring to meet international climate benchmarks while simultaneously enhancing competitiveness.
The port’s performance also reflects the alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of positioning India as a global maritime power. The Chairman of the Port Authority noted that the success stemmed not merely from infrastructure upgrades, but from empowering the very people who drive port operations daily. Exporters, importers, customs agents and logistics partners were given a seat at the table, allowing the Authority to design procedural reforms that directly addressed real-time challenges. This convergence of user knowledge and administrative agility fostered an environment where procedural inertia was replaced by responsive governance.
Beyond numbers, the achievement carries strong economic and symbolic value for Gujarat and for India’s wider coastal economy. At a time when the country is aiming to decongest overburdened trade routes and drive logistics efficiency, Kandla Port’s model offers a replicable blueprint. Its cargo milestone reflects not just operational capacity but also a deeper cultural shift towards participatory management and sustainable expansion. If supported with continued investments in green infrastructure and skill development, the port could evolve into a key sustainability hub in India’s maritime roadmap.
As the port moves forward with plans for methanol bunkering and other eco-forward initiatives, its recent success marks a pivotal point in India’s transition from high-volume to high-value port logistics. While challenges remain in balancing rapid growth with environmental stewardship, Kandla Deendayal Port’s performance in FY24–25 offers a compelling case for what can be achieved through inclusive leadership and climate-aligned vision.
Kandla Port sets new record in cargo movement
