India’s port sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by rising trade volumes, increasing manufacturing activity, rapid infrastructure development and the growing integration of ports with wider logistics networks. Ports are evolving beyond their traditional role as maritime gateways to become strategic logistics hubs that support industrial growth, supply chain resilience and India’s global trade ambitions. The development of integrated logistics ecosystems, stronger public-private partnerships (PPPs), digitalisation and multimodal connectivity are contributing to improvements in cargo evacuation, operational reliability and overall logistics efficiency. As port capacity expands, the next phase of growth will depend on how effectively this capacity is complemented by connectivity, efficiency and sustainability. Leading industry experts share their views on progress in the port sector, recent initiatives and focus areas…
What are the key trends shaping the port sector in India? What were some of the key operational milestones achieved by DP World in India in the past year?
Alok Mishra
India’s port sector is being shaped by rising trade volumes, stronger PPPs, digitalisation and a growing focus on multimodal connectivity to improve cargo evacuation. In 2025-26, Indian ports handled 1,668 million tonnes (mt) of cargo, placing the sector firmly on course towards achieving its 2030 growth ambitions. The growing integration of ports with rail, road and digital systems is also helping improve cargo evacuation, reliability and overall logistics efficiency.
At DP World’s Mundra International Container Terminal (MICT), these trends are reflected in its strong operational performance. Throughput grew 13.6 per cent in CY2025 to nearly 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units, supported by strengthened rail infrastructure and integrated logistics connectivity. Today, MICT connects Indian businesses to 73 international ports, with 14 weekly vessel calls, while its rail network provides efficient access to key manufacturing and consumption centres across western and northern India.
Ashish Rajgarhia
India’s port sector is witnessing a significant transformation, driven by the country’s economic growth, rising trade volumes, increasing manufacturing activity and the government’s focus on infrastructure development. Key trends include the development of integrated logistics ecosystems, greater multimodal connectivity, digitalisation of operations, automation of cargo handling, sustainability-led investments and cargo diversification. Ports are no longer viewed merely as maritime gateways but as strategic logistics hubs that support industrial growth, supply chain resilience and global competitiveness.
At Essar Ports, the past year has been marked by strong operational performance and continued progress on our strategic growth agenda. Our flagship Salaya facility continued to deliver safe, efficient and reliable operations while supporting critical energy and industrial supply chains. We take particular pride in operating one of India’s most efficient and environmentally responsible bulk cargo handling facilities. We have received industry recognition and awards for our mechanised green bulk cargo handling operations, with a focus on operational excellence, environmental stewardship and safety standards.
What major initiatives are being undertaken to expand capacity, modernise infrastructure and improve operational efficiency?
Alok Mishra
DP World continues to strengthen its port terminal network in India through efficiency improvements, advanced equipment, technology and multimodal connectivity to support India’s growing export-import (EXIM) trade.
Across our terminals in Mundra, Cochin, Chennai and Nhava Sheva, the focus is on enhancing productivity and efficiency, modernising infrastructure and strengthening connectivity with key hinterland markets. At Mundra, recent equipment upgrades, including a new quay crane and electric rubber-tyred gantry crane, are enhancing berth and yard efficiency. These efforts are reflected in strong operating performance in CY2025.
“The next phase of port-led growth will be defined by how effectively efficiency, connectivity and decarbonisation are combined.” Alok Mishra
Ashish Rajgarhia
Expansion and diversification are key pillars of our growth strategy. Essar Ports is actively pursuing opportunities across the maritime value chain through a combination of brownfield expansion, greenfield development, strategic acquisitions and participation in port concession opportunities. We are evaluating opportunities at both major and non-major ports across India and intend to play an active role in the next phase of the country’s port infrastructure development.
A significant initiative currently underway is the brownfield expansion of the Salaya terminal in Gujarat, through the development of a new liquid berth. This project represents an important step in our cargo diversification strategy and will support feedstock and product movement for India’s first commercial-scale biofuel refinery being developed by the Essar Group. The project aligns with the broader national agenda of energy transition and sustainable industrial development while creating a new growth avenue for our port business.
A notable strategic milestone was Essar Port becoming the highest bidder for the development of a multi-cargo terminal at Tuna Tekra, Kandla, reinforcing our commitment to expanding our footprint in India’s port sector. This achievement reflects our confidence in the long-term growth potential of the maritime and logistics industry and our ability to create world-class infrastructure assets.
Alongside capacity expansion, we continue to invest in modern cargo-handling equipment, mechanisation, digital tools and operational processes that enhance productivity, improve turnaround times and optimise asset utilisation. Our objective is to build future-ready infrastructure capable of supporting diverse cargo streams while delivering superior service levels to customers.
“Ports are no longer viewed merely as maritime gateways but as strategic logistics hubs that support industrial growth, supply chain resilience and global competitiveness.” Ashish Rajgarhia
Sustainability and digital transformation are becoming integral to port operations. What initiatives are being taken to develop smart and green ports?
Alok Mishra
The next phase of port-led growth will be defined by how effectively we combine efficiency, connectivity and decarbonisation. India is already moving in this direction, with renewable energy accounting for 28 per cent of energy use across major ports in 2025-26, alongside the growing adoption of digital technologies and mechanised operations.
DP World sees technology and sustainability as core operating levers. Across our terminals in India, this is reflected in equipment electrification, renewable energy adoption, advanced terminal operating systems and increasingly integrated multimodal connectivity. At our Nhava Sheva terminals, for instance, 11 MW of green power is helping reduce local CO2 emissions by around 50 per cent. At Mundra, we have progressively electrified terminal equipment, including the addition of three new electric rubber tyred gantries in 2025, expanding the terminal’s fleet to 31 units, supporting greater operational efficiency while reducing emissions by 18.9 per cent (Scope 1 and 2).
Ashish Rajgarhia
Sustainability and digital transformation are central to Essar Ports’ long-term vision. We believe that future port infrastructure must be smart, efficient and environmentally responsible. The company’s award-winning green bulk cargo handling operations demonstrate our commitment to sustainable port development. Through extensive mechanisation, advanced dust-control systems (covered conveyors, misting systems, windshields, etc.) and best-in-class environmental practices, we have successfully minimised the environmental impact of bulk cargo movement while improving efficiency and safety. We continue to invest in renewable energy solutions, energy-efficiency measures and resource optimisation initiatives that reduce our carbon footprint and enhance our operating performance.
At the same time, digitalisation is transforming the way ports operate. We are increasingly adopting digital technologies across operational planning, maintenance management, cargo tracking and performance monitoring. The use of real-time data, predictive analytics and automation enables better decision-making, higher productivity and improved customer service. Our vision is to create smart and green ports that combine technology, sustainability and operational excellence. By integrating digital capabilities with environmentally responsible operations, we are developing infrastructure that remains competitive, resilient and future-ready.
Going forward, what are the biggest opportunities and challenges for port/terminal operators?
Alok Mishra
India’s maritime sector is entering an exciting phase of growth. Port capacity reached approximately 2,818 million tonnes per annum in 2025-26, with cargo throughput at 1,668 mt, creating a strong foundation to support the country’s expanding manufacturing and trade ambitions.
The next opportunity is to complement capacity creation with stronger multimodal connectivity. Greater integration of port terminals with rail and inland logistics networks can improve cargo evacuation, enhance predictability and lower the overall cost and carbon intensity of logistics. The PPP model will remain an important enabler of this growth. With 66 per cent of cargo at major ports being handled under PPPs in 2025-26, the model has demonstrated how public infrastructure priorities can be effectively complemented by private-sector investment, expertise and operational capabilities.
Going forward, coordinated infrastructure planning, faster execution and continued policy support will be important to ensure that connectivity keeps pace with capacity and India’s growing trade requirements.
Ashish Rajgarhia
The opportunities before port and terminal operators have never been greater. India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing hub, growing export competitiveness, rising energy demand and increasing investment in infrastructure will continue to drive demand for modern port and logistics facilities. Emerging sectors such as biofuels, green energy and integrated logistics represent new areas of growth for the industry. We also see significant potential beyond traditional port operations. The convergence of ports, logistics and industrial infrastructure is creating opportunities for operators to participate across the supply chain. In line with this trend, we are actively evaluating opportunities in domestic inland logistics, where improved connectivity and integrated solutions can unlock substantial value for customers.
Beyond India, we continue to evaluate international growth opportunities that complement our existing global footprint and strengthen our position as an international port and logistics operator. We believe that strategic expansion across select global markets can provide access to new cargo streams, customers and growth platforms. At the same time, operators must navigate challenges including global trade volatility, geopolitical uncertainties, evolving environmental regulations, changing cargo patterns and increasing capital requirements. Success will depend on the ability to remain agile, invest wisely, adopt technology and balance growth with sustainability.
What are your focus areas and targets for 2026-27?
Alok Mishra
DP World remains fully focused on further strengthening India’s trade ecosystem through efficient, reliable and sustainable operations. At Mundra, we will continue to focus on improving capacity, technology-led productivity and sustainable operations, while integrating more closely with rail and inland logistics networks.
A terminal is not simply a point where cargo is loaded or discharged; it is a gateway to a wider, end-to-end supply chain. By combining efficient terminal operations with multimodal connectivity, digital visibility and integrated logistics solutions, we can reduce friction, improve predictability and help customers reach domestic and global markets more effectively.
Moving ahead, our priority is to keep building resilient, efficient and increasingly sustainable supply chains that support India’s growing EXIM trade and ambition to become a globally competitive manufacturing and trading hub.
Ashish Rajgarhia
For 2026-27, the company’s focus is centred on growth, diversification, sustainability and operational excellence. We will continue to actively pursue port development opportunities across India, including participation in upcoming tenders at both major and non-major ports. Our objective is to expand our capacity footprint while creating strategic assets that enhance India’s logistics competitiveness.
We will also advance our cargo diversification strategy through the development of a liquid berth at Salaya, creating infrastructure that supports the biofuel value chain, contributing to the country’s energy security. From a strategic perspective, we are evaluating opportunities across domestic inland logistics and international markets, with the objective of building an integrated port and logistics platform that delivers long-term value.
The company’s broader goal is to create a portfolio of smart, sustainable and diversified infrastructure assets that combines world-class operations with future-ready growth opportunities. By maintaining a disciplined focus on safety, customer service, sustainability and innovation, we are confident of contributing meaningfully to India’s infrastructure and logistics transformation while creating enduring value for all stakeholders.
