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Major ports on West Coast of India, Check Complete List

Major ports on the west coast of India include Mumbai, Nhava Sheva, Kandla, Mangalore, and Cochin, facilitating vital trade and contributing to regional economies. Check list here.
authorImageParul Rishi1 Sept, 2025
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Major ports on West Coast of India

India's west coast is home to several major ports that play a crucial role in the country's trade and commerce. These ports are located to facilitate maritime trade and have historically been significant for both regional and international shipping routes. This article will look into the major ports on the west coast of India, their features, and their contributions to the economy. The major ports include Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru (Nhava Sheva), Kandla, Mangalore, and Cochin.

Major ports on West Coast of India Details

Major ports on West Coast of India are as follows:

Mumbai Port

Mumbai Port, also known as Bombay Port, is one of the oldest and most important ports in India. Located on the eastern shore of Mumbai Harbour, this port has been a gateway for trade and commerce since the 19th century.

Features

  • Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Established: 1873
  • Type: Natural deep-water port
  • Main Exports: Textiles, chemicals, machinery, engineering goods
  • Main Imports: Petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL), fertilizers, food grains

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Facilities

Mumbai Port is equipped with extensive facilities including dry docks, container terminals, and bulk cargo handling equipment. It has multiple berths for handling a variety of cargoes, ensuring efficient operations.

Economic Impact

Mumbai Port significantly contributes to Maharashtra's economy by facilitating trade and providing employment opportunities. It also supports the regional manufacturing and service sectors by ensuring smooth import and export processes.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva)

Jawaharlal Nehru Port, commonly known as Nhava Sheva, is the largest container port in India. Located east of Mumbai, it was established to relieve congestion at Mumbai Port and enhance the handling capacity for containerized cargo.

Features

  • Location: Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
  • Established: 1989
  • Type: Container port
  • Main Exports: Engineering goods, textiles, chemicals
  • Main Imports: Machinery, chemicals, electronics

Facilities

Nhava Sheva has state-of-the-art facilities including advanced container terminals, rail and road connectivity, and warehousing. It handles a significant volume of India's containerized cargo and is known for its efficiency and modern infrastructure.

Economic Impact

Nhava Sheva plays a critical role in India's maritime trade, particularly in containerized goods. It supports industrial growth in the region and enhances the country's global trade connectivity.

Kandla Port

Kandla Port, officially known as Deendayal Port, is one of the leading ports on the west coast of India. Located in the Kutch District of Gujarat, it is known for handling bulk, liquid, and containerized cargo.

Features

  • Location: Kandla, Gujarat
  • Established: 1950
  • Type: Tidal port
  • Main Exports: Petroleum products, chemicals, textiles
  • Main Imports: Crude oil, machinery, salt

Facilities

Kandla Port is equipped with modern facilities including dry cargo berths, oil jetties, and container terminals. It also has excellent rail and road connectivity, facilitating smooth cargo movement.

Also Read: Major Ports on West Coast of India

Economic Impact 

Kandla Port is vital for the economy of Gujarat and northern India. It supports the petroleum, chemical, and textile industries by providing efficient cargo handling services and contributing to regional development.

Mangalore Port (New Mangalore Port)

Mangalore Port, also known as New Mangalore Port, is the only major port in Karnataka. It is strategically located on the west coast and serves as an important hub for the export of agricultural products and import of crude oil.

Features

  • Location: Mangalore, Karnataka
  • Established: 1974
  • Type: All-weather port
  • Main Exports: Coffee, cashew, manganese, granite stones
  • Main Imports: Crude oil, LPG, coal, fertilizers

Facilities

New Mangalore Port has modern facilities including deep-draft berths, liquid cargo terminals, and container handling infrastructure. It is equipped to handle diverse cargo types efficiently.

Economic Impact

The port significantly contributes to Karnataka's economy by supporting the agricultural and industrial sectors. It provides essential logistics support for the export of regional products and the import of critical commodities.

Cochin Port

Cochin Port, also known as Kochi Port, is a major port on the southwest coast of India. It is located in Kerala and serves as a key maritime gateway for the southwestern part of the country.

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Features 

  • Location: Kochi, Kerala
  • Established: 1928
  • Type: Natural port
  • Main Exports: Spices, tea, coffee, marine products
  • Main Imports: Crude oil, fertilizers, chemicals

Facilities

Cochin Port is equipped with modern container terminals, bulk cargo handling facilities, and specialized terminals for handling oil and petroleum products. It has robust infrastructure to support diverse maritime activities.

Economic Impact

Cochin Port is crucial for Kerala's economy, particularly the spice and marine product industries. It supports regional trade, tourism, and industrial growth, contributing significantly to the state's GDP.

Also Read: Montane Forest of India

Major Ports on West Coast of India List

Major Ports on the West Coast of India List is as follows:
Major Ports on West Coast of India List
Port Name Location Established Type Main Exports Main Imports
Mumbai Port Mumbai, Maharashtra 1873 Natural deep-water port Textiles, chemicals, machinery POL, fertilizers, food grains
Jawaharlal Nehru (Nhava Sheva) Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 1989 Container port Engineering goods, textiles, chemicals Machinery, chemicals, electronics
Kandla Port Kandla, Gujarat 1950 Tidal port Petroleum products, chemicals, textiles Crude oil, machinery, salt
Mangalore Port (New Mangalore Port) Mangalore, Karnataka 1974 All-weather port Coffee, cashew, manganese, granite stones Crude oil, LPG, coal, fertilizers
Cochin Port Kochi, Kerala 1928 Natural port Spices, tea, coffee, marine products Crude oil, fertilizers, chemicals
The major ports on the west coast of India are integral to the country's maritime trade and economic development. Each port has unique features and facilities that cater to specific types of cargo and trade requirements.
Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) are crucial for handling containerized cargo and general trade, while Kandla Port, Mangalore Port, and Cochin Port support bulk, liquid, and specialized cargoes. These ports collectively enhance India's trade capabilities, support regional economies, and contribute to the nation's overall growth and development.

Major ports on West Coast of India FAQs

Which are the major ports on the west coast of India?

Major ports include Mumbai, Nhava Sheva, Kandla, Mangalore, and Cochin.

What types of cargoes do these ports handle?

They handle various cargoes such as containers, bulk goods, petroleum, and chemicals.

How do these ports contribute to the economy?

They facilitate trade, support industries, and generate employment in their respective regions.

Are these ports equipped with modern facilities?

Yes, they boast state-of-the-art infrastructure to ensure efficient cargo handling and transportation.
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