India‘s ports are often criticized for the lack of infrastructure, service and congestion. The government repeatedly announced to provide remedy. Despite the problems, the major ports in public hands report growth – outperforming private competitors for the second consecutive year.
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The twelve major ports handled a record 647.43 mill. t in 2016-17, the Ministry of Shipping now announced. The volumes represent an annual growth rate of 6.79 %, as against 4.32 % last year. »With this, these ports have outperformed private ports for the second consecutive year. The private ports have registered a traffic growth rate of 4 percent this year«, it was said.
The top position in cargo handling was retained by Kandla Port that handled 105.44 mill. t of cargo, registering a growth of 5.39% over last year. This was followed by Paradip Port with 88.95 mill. t, and a growth rate of 16.45%. Mumbai Port holds the third position with 63.05 mill. t and a growth rate of 3.17%. »JNPT recorded highest ever handling of 4.50 million TEUs during 2016-17. The port owned terminal, JNPCT, achieved highest ever handling of 1.53 million TEUs during the year, registering a growth rate of 7.33%«, the Ministry added.
Iron-ore traffic attained the highest growth rate of 163.67%. Other miscellaneous and general cargo grew by 18.53% and POL products by 8.16%.
According to the announcement, the major ports have also recorded the highest ever capacity addition of 100.37 mill. t to 1.065 million t per annum. In respect of development of port infrastructure, 56 projects have been awarded with a capacity of 103.52 mill. t.
The Ministry emphasizes that the efficiency indicators in major ports are also »improving steadily«. During 2016-17, total turn-around time came down to 3.44 days as against 3.64 days during last year. Likewise, Average Output Per Ship Berthday has gone up to 14,583 tonnes as against 13,748 tonnes during last year.
