Mundra Port posts record auto exports, liquid cargo volumes in January

Adani Group's Mundra Port in Gujarat has recorded a sharp increase in automobile exports and liquid cargo volumes in January 2026, posting multiple operational records that highlighted the growing role of large, integrated ports in supporting India's trade and export flows.

The port handled its highest-ever monthly automobile export volume, shipping 25,762 vehicles through its dedicated roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) terminal at Adani Mundra Container Terminal (CT2), officials said.

The figure surpassed the previous monthly record set in May 2024, reflecting continued overseas demand for India-manufactured vehicles.

Automakers, including Maruti Suzuki and Toyota, increasingly routed exports through Mundra during the month, with shipments destined for markets across Africa, Europe, East Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, according to port officials.

Mundra also set a new single-vessel loading record in January, loading 5,701 vehicles onto a single ship, the highest number handled in one movement at the port. The operation was executed at a gross handling rate of 145, requiring coordinated yard management, terminal planning and vessel operations, while maintaining safety and security standards.

Gross handling rate is the average cargo handled per hour.

Separately, the port's liquid terminal handled 1.120 million tonnes of liquid cargo in January, marking its highest-ever monthly throughput and exceeding the previous peak recorded in December 2025, officials said.

The rise highlighted Mundra's capacity to handle multiple cargo streams simultaneously, including energy products, chemicals and industrial liquids.

Mundra is operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), India's largest port developer and operator. APSEZ accounts for nearly 27 per cent of India's total port volumes and operates 15 ports and terminals across the country, along with four international ports in Israel, Sri Lanka, Australia and Tanzania.

As India's largest commercial port, Mundra handles more than 200 million tonnes of cargo annually. The port benefits from dedicated automotive and liquid terminals, automation, digital tracking systems and multimodal hinterland connectivity through rail and road networks.

The performance comes amid a broader policy push to expand port capacity and strengthen logistics infrastructure. The Union Budget for 2026-27, presented on February 1, reiterated the government's focus on improving maritime infrastructure and multimodal connectivity to support export-led growth.

Industry observers said sustained investment in port infrastructure and operational efficiency would remain critical as India seeks to strengthen its position in global manufacturing and trade supply chains.