Yet Government Sidelines Their Growth
Maritime News India: While India’s port sector has seen steady growth over the past three years, an alarming trend has emerged — Non-Major Ports also known as Minor Ports are expanding at a faster rate than Major Ports despite being ignored in the Union Budget 2025. The statistics reveal that while major ports have grown, non-major ports have witnessed an even more significant surge in cargo handling, raising concerns over the government’s intent to sideline them in favor of corporate giants.
Rising Contribution of Non-Major Ports
Between 2021-22 and 2023-24, major ports increased their cargo handling from 720.05 million tonnes to 819.23 million tonnes, a 13.7% growth. In contrast, non-major ports handled 598.63 million tonnes in 2021-22, surging to 721 million tonnes in 2023-24, reflecting a 20.5% increase. The combined cargo throughput of all Indian ports has grown from 1,318.68 million tonnes in 2021-22 to 1,540.23 million tonnes in 2023-24, demonstrating a clear upward trend in port activity.
Government’s Neglect of Non-Major Ports
Despite non-major ports outpacing major ports in growth, the 2025 Union Budget has completely overlooked them. No significant policy announcements or financial allocations have been made for these ports, raising concerns about whether the government is deliberately stalling their development. Analysts suggest that this neglect could be a strategic move to weaken smaller ports, making them vulnerable to corporate takeovers under the guise of “revitalization”—a move that could destroy the livelihoods of thousands dependent on these ports.
A Strategic Push Toward Privatization?
Experts argue that the government’s continued investment in mega-projects like Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, while ignoring the fast-growing non-major ports, signals a clear shift toward consolidating port operations under a few corporate entities. Non-major ports have been critical in serving regional economies, supporting local industries, and providing employment to coastal communities. Their growth, despite limited government support, underscores their importance. However, if left underfunded, these ports could be forced into private hands, eroding regional economic independence.
The cargo volumes handled by Indian Ports and trend over the last three years is as under:
| Year | Cargo handled by Major Ports | Cargo handled by Non- Major Ports | Total |
| (Million Tonnes) | (Million Tonnes) | (Million Tonnes) | |
| 2021-22 | 720.05 | 598.63 | 1318.68 |
| 2022-23 | 784.31 | 650.00 | 1434.31 |
| 2023-24 | 819.23 | 721.00 | 1540.23 |
Budget 2025: A Death Warrant for Non-Major Ports?
If one looks beyond the glossy numbers, the truth emerges. The government is quietly shifting its focus from regional ports to mega-corporate-led port projects. The budget’s lack of investment in non-major ports isn’t just an oversight—it’s a calculated move.
- Step 1: Ignore non-major ports.
- Step 2: Let them struggle with poor infrastructure and declining cargo volumes.
- Step 3: Justify privatization.
- Step 4: Hand them over to corporate giants at throwaway prices.
It’s a classic slow-burn corporate takeover, disguised as policy-making.
What’s at Stake?
For centuries, India’s coastal communities have thrived on maritime trade. Non-major ports support local economies, small traders, and independent exporters. If these ports collapse into corporate control, the cost will be paid in:
- Job losses for thousands of port workers and small-scale businesses.
- Increased shipping costs as monopolies dictate pricing.
- Loss of government control over India’s strategic maritime gateways.
Who Will Fight for the Forgotten Ports?
The statistics are a slap in the face to those who claim non-major ports are irrelevant. The non-major ports are growing, contributing significantly to India’s trade and logistics sector. The government must recognize this trend and allocate resources for infrastructure development, modernization, and connectivity at these ports. Ignoring them in favor of corporate-driven projects will not only hurt local businesses but also disrupt regional supply chains.. The real question is: will they survive the next phase of India’s corporate-driven maritime policy?
As non-major ports continue to thrive despite neglect, the question remains—is the government paving the way for their corporate takeover at the expense of local livelihoods?
The next time you see a government official boasting about port growth, ask them—whose ports are really growing? And at what cost?
