Cargo traffic at India's top 12 ports up 6.27% in Apr-Oct

Cargo traffic at India's top 12 ports went up by 6.27% to 370.04 million tonnes during April-October 2016, compared to the same period a year ago.

These ports, under the control of the Centre, had handled 348.21 million tonnes (MT) of cargo during April-October period of the previous financial year.

"Cargo traffic at country's 12 major ports recorded a growth of 6.27% to 370.04 MT during April-October 2016 period," an official told PTI.

The growth in the traffic has been driven by a number of proactive measures that include mechanisation of terminal, augmenting infrastructure and improving the turnaround time, the official said.

Among the 12 major ports, Mormugao Port recorded the highest growth in traffic during the said period with an increase of 60.62%, followed by Paradip at 18.19%, Kandla at 9.99%, Vishakhapatnam at 8.95%, New Mangalore Port at 8.74%, Cochin at 6.63%, V O Chidambaranar at 4.09%, and Chennai Port at 0.18%.

However, Kolkata, Kamrajar and JNPT have recorded negative growth during the period, the official said.

In terms of maximum cargo volume, Kandla Port handled a 63.04 MT, followed by Paradip's 50.23 MT and Mumbai Port at 36.49 MT.

There are 12 major ports under the control of the Centre beside 187 minor/intermediate ports under the jurisdiction of states along the 7,517 km long coastline of the country.

The 12 major ports, Kandla, Mumbai, JNPT, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Ennore, V O Chidambarnar, Visakhapatnam, Paradip and Kolkata (including Haldia) handle approximately 61% of the country's total cargo traffic.