Why in news?
On National Maritime Day 2026 the chairman of Deendayal Port Authority announced that the port handled a record 160.11 million tonnes of cargo in the 2025‑26 financial year, the highest throughput ever recorded by any major Indian port. This milestone keeps Deendayal Port at the top of India’s cargo rankings.
Background
Situated on the Kandla Creek in Gujarat’s Kutch district, Deendayal Port—formerly known as Kandla Port—is a natural tidal harbour on India’s west coast. Construction began in the 1950s to alleviate congestion at Karachi after partition. In 2017 the port was renamed Deendayal in honour of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.
Key features
- Natural harbour: The port sits in a tidal creek accessible through a 27‑kilometre dredged channel with a minimum depth of 13 metres, allowing large vessels to dock.
- Infrastructure: Terminals are located at Kandla, Tuna Tekra and Vadinar. The port handles bulk cargo such as petroleum, coal, fertilisers and food grains, as well as container traffic.
- Cargo growth: In 2025‑26 the port achieved a 160.11 million tonne throughput, with notable increases in fertiliser (32%), liquid cargo (23.4%) and container volumes (54%). The port also trialled methanol bunkering as a step toward greener shipping.
Importance
- Economic lifeline: Deendayal Port serves the hinterland of north, west and central India, facilitating imports and exports of essential commodities. Its high throughput supports industries and agriculture across the country.
- Strategic role: Continuous expansion and modernisation enhance India’s logistics capacity and competitiveness. Experiments with alternative fuels like methanol demonstrate commitment to sustainable maritime practices.