Major Indian ports have handled a record 915.17 million tonnes (MT) of cargo in FY 2025-26, surpassing the annual target of 904 MT and registering a 7.06 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth. The achievement highlights improved efficiency, infrastructure modernisation, and sustained recovery in the maritime sector, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said, “The record cargo handling of over 915 million tonnes by our major ports is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening India’s maritime sector. We are building world-class port infrastructure, improving efficiency, and enabling seamless logistics to support India’s growing economy.”

Among the ports, Deendayal Port Authority led with 160.11 MT, followed by Paradip Port Authority at 156.45 MT and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) at 102.01 MT. Other major contributors included Visakhapatnam, Mumbai, Chennai, and New Mangalore ports. In terms of growth, Mormugao Port Authority recorded the highest increase at 15.91 per cent, followed by Kolkata Dock System at 14.28 per cent and JNPA at 10.74 per cent, the ministry said in a press release.

India’s major ports handled a record 915.17 MT of cargo in FY 2025-26, exceeding the 904 MT target and growing 7.06 per cent YoY, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The rise was driven by infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation, and improved logistics, with Deendayal, Paradip and JNPA leading volumes.
Strong gains were seen in Mormugao and Kolkata ports.

The growth has been supported by capacity expansion, enhanced multimodal connectivity, digitalisation initiatives, and increased handling of commodities such as coal, crude oil, containers, fertilisers, and petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL). Improved turnaround time and ease of doing business have also contributed to higher cargo volumes.

The ministry continues to focus on port-led development, logistics integration, and sustainability under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aiming to strengthen India’s position in global trade.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)

India’s leading textile hub Tiruppur is accelerating its shift towards piped natural gas (PNG) as industries respond to the ongoing LPG shortage triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the US–Israel–Iran conflict, while also aligning with tightening global sustainability norms.

During a session conducted jointly by the Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA) and Adani Total Gas, K. M. Subramanian, President, TEA, highlighted that gas connectivity will become an essential requirement for industries in the coming years, adding that Adani Total Gas is prepared to accelerate PNG rollout in Tiruppur.

Tiruppur’s textile industry is accelerating its shift towards PNG as LPG shortages and rising energy costs disrupt operations.
With production costs up nearly 15 per cent and ESG compliance tightening, PNG is emerging as a reliable and cleaner alternative, helping exporters ensure supply stability, meet global standards, and sustain competitiveness.

He also pointed to upcoming Digital Product Passport (DPP) regulations which will mandate stricter digital monitoring and sustainability compliance across production processes under European ESG norms.

Kumar Duraiswami, Joint Secretary, TEA underscored PNG as a strategic necessity rather than a temporary alternative. He stated that the adoption of PNG is not merely a response to any temporary geopolitical situation, but an essential step as the global industry moves towards sustainable production.

He further noted that exporters to Europe will be required to comply with ESG norms within the next two years, necessitating a gradual shift away from fuels such as LPG and coal.

According to a TEA press release, industry concerns over rising costs were also flagged, with Subramanian noting that energy shortages have already pushed production costs up by nearly 15 per cent, creating operational challenges. He stressed the need for a stable and reliable gas supply to sustain Tiruppur’s large manufacturing ecosystem and urged faster implementation of PNG infrastructure.

Providing operational insights, K. R. Venkatesan, Cluster Head at Adani Total Gas, outlined PNG connectivity availability, registration procedures, and industrial pricing, while Karthik B, Joint Marketing Manager, elaborated on practical applications and addressed industry queries during the session.

Tiruppur’s move towards PNG reflects a broader transition in India’s textile sector, where cleaner energy adoption is becoming central to ensuring supply security, cost stability, and compliance with evolving global sustainability standards.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)