Record cargo volumes are prompting the Mumbai Port Authority to accelerate a new phase of infrastructure expansion aimed at strengthening the city’s maritime logistics network, improving freight efficiency and supporting industrial growth across western India. The proposed investments span petroleum handling, automobile logistics and cement distribution, signalling a strategic shift towards modernising legacy port infrastructure while addressing rising trade demand and multimodal connectivity. After recording its highest-ever annual cargo throughput of 75.15 million metric tonnes (MMT) during 2025-26, the port is preparing additional capacity to accommodate future growth across energy, manufacturing and construction supply chains. The expansion reflects Mumbai’s continuing role as a critical gateway for industrial cargo despite increasing competition from neighbouring ports.
A major component of the programme involves expanding port infrastructure dedicated to petroleum, oil and lubricant (POL) cargo, which currently contributes nearly 60 per cent of total traffic. Authorities are evaluating new crude oil jetties alongside specialised berths for petroleum products and chemicals to support increasing refinery production in Maharashtra. Industry observers note that stronger marine infrastructure could reduce vessel waiting times, improve cargo turnaround and enhance energy security for one of India’s largest consumption markets. The authority is also examining opportunities to develop liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering facilities at Jawahar Dweep. Urban transport experts believe such infrastructure could encourage cleaner marine fuels over the longer term while positioning Mumbai within emerging low-emission shipping corridors. Although still under evaluation, the proposal aligns with broader efforts to decarbonise maritime transport without compromising cargo efficiency.
Beyond liquid cargo, the port infrastructure expansion extends to the automotive sector. Following the handling of approximately 81,000 export and import vehicles during the previous financial year through Roll-on/Roll-off operations, planners are preparing an in-dock automobile storage facility capable of accommodating up to 100,000 vehicles. The project is expected to strengthen logistics links with automotive manufacturing clusters in Pune, Chakan, Sanand and the emerging industrial belt around Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, reducing handling delays and improving export competitiveness. Construction materials also form part of the long-term strategy. Plans to establish cement silos with a storage capacity of around 2 million metric tonnes are expected to improve the movement of bulk cement into Mumbai through rail connectivity, reducing dependence on road transport for large cargo volumes. Urban planners suggest that shifting greater freight movement to coastal shipping and rail could lower congestion, reduce emissions and improve supply chain resilience across the metropolitan region.
Cargo handled by Mumbai Port has risen steadily from 53.32 MMT in 2020-21 to 75.15 MMT in 2025-26, reflecting sustained growth despite changing trade dynamics. Infrastructure specialists caution, however, that the success of these investments will depend on timely project execution, seamless integration with rail and road networks and sustained industrial demand. As Mumbai continues expanding its economic footprint, modern port infrastructure will remain central to creating a more resilient, efficient and environmentally responsible urban logistics ecosystem.
