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Transport through waterways plays a vital role in developing our country’s economy. India is well connected to various countries through waterways. To facilitate transportation through these waterways, a large number of ports are constructed across the country. They function as loading and unloading spots for transportation.
According to the Ministry of Shipping statistics, 95% of the national trade depends on maritime transport. The export of Indian goods largely depends upon this Maritime transport. It is flourishing in India along with these coastal states, namely Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Puducherry, Gujarat, West Bengal etc. There are a large number of seaports in India that regulate maritime trading.
Port
A port is a maritime transport facility made by the union of one or more loading-unloading areas. The cargo and passengers are loaded and unloaded at these ports. A port is usually located on the sea coast. Port cities experience various changes in their history because of the role they play in the entry of immigrants as well as soldiers.
Major Ports along the Western ghats
The western ghats are a world heritage site and a biodiversity hotspot. It is located along the west coast of India and covers all the states that fall in the coastal region of the Western end of India. Western ghats are older than the Himalayas. They also influence the monsoon pattern of India.
The Western ghat of India has six important ports
Kandla Port: Kandla port (Gujarat) was built around the 1950s and served as a major port in India. When the cargo volume is considered, it is the largest port in India.
Jawaharlal Nehru port: the Jawaharlal Nehru Port is the largest container port in India. It is situated in Navi Mumbai. It is also the terminal of the Western Corridor.
Kochi port: also called the Cochin port. The Kochi Port is the first Transshipment port in India. It was built and recognised in 1928. It controls a significant part of maritime activities.
New Mangalore: it is the deepest harbour found on the western coast of India. New Mangalore port trust manages the working of this port.
Mumbai port: it is located along the naturally deep waters of Maharashtra. Its opening is situated towards the South of the Arabian sea.
Mormugao port: this port is vital for exporting iron ore and importing coking coal.
Major Ports along the Eastern Ghats
There are seven important ports located along the Eastern Ghats. They include
Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar Islands): it ranks 13th among the major ports of India. It contains 23 ports in its jurisdiction.
Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) is India’s deepest port. It is a prominent place for exporting iron ore to Japan. Building and repairing ships is also done here.
Paradip (Odisha): This port handles the export of iron and aluminium to Southeast Asian countries.
Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu): responsible for the handling of fertilisers, petro-chemical products and salts
Chennai (Tamil Nadu): it is an artificial port. It is also the second most busy port in India, following Mumbai.
Haldia and Kolkata (West Bengal): it is the riverine port of the Hugli river. This port manages the trade with Southeast Asian countries.
Ennore (Tamil Nadu): it is an important port as the primary purpose behind establishing this port was to divert the traffic from Chennai port. It was the first port to be corporatised in India.
Conclusion
Seaports in India play a significant role in influencing maritime transportation. Many ports help in the export of iron ore and aluminium and import of coal and other such essential items. Various ports are located in the coastal regions of our country. They run across the western ghats and the Eastern Ghats, respectively. The coastal line along the Western part of India covers the Western ghats, while the coastal line along the Eastern part of India covers the eastern ghats. There are six essential ports located along the Western ghats and seven major ports situated along the Eastern ghats of India.
