JNPA Earned More Than Kandla and Paradip Despite Lower Cargo Volumes in FY26

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority emerged as India’s top revenue-generating major port in FY26, earning Rs 4,356 crore even though Deendayal Port Authority handled a higher volume of cargo, according to government data tabled in Parliament during the ongoing monsoon session.

How did JNPA’s revenue compare with India’s other major ports?

JNPA’s Rs 4,356 crore in earnings accounted for 16.4 percent of the combined revenue generated by India’s 12 major ports in FY26. Deendayal Port Authority, which reclaimed the country’s top position in cargo handling by moving a record 160.11 million tonnes during the year, ranked second in revenue with Rs 3,437 crore, while Mumbai Port Authority followed with Rs 3,319 crore. Together, the three ports contributed nearly 42 percent of the Rs 26,583 crore revenue earned by India’s major ports during FY26.

Why doesn’t cargo volume alone determine port revenue?

The differing rankings highlight that cargo tonnage is not the sole driver of a port’s financial performance. Revenue depends on a combination of cargo mix, vessel traffic, terminal utilisation, value-added services and commercial operations. JNPA, which handled a record 102 million tonnes of cargo and more than 8 million TEUs in FY26, benefited from higher throughput, expanded terminal capacity and technology-led operational improvements, factors that together pushed it to the top of the revenue table despite trailing Kandla in raw tonnage.

What did JNPA leadership say about this performance?

JNPA Chairperson Gaurav Dayal said the port’s record financial performance in FY26 reflects sustained operational excellence, capacity expansion and prudent financial management. He said crossing 102 million tonnes of cargo and handling over 8 million TEUs demonstrates growing confidence among global shipping lines and trade partners in JNPA’s infrastructure and service standards, adding that the port will continue investing in world-class infrastructure, digital transformation and sustainable growth initiatives to strengthen India’s maritime competitiveness.

How did major ports perform collectively in FY26?

India’s 12 major ports reported a 7 percent increase in combined revenue in FY26, rising to Rs 26,583 crore from Rs 24,848 crore in FY25. Mumbai Port Authority recorded the strongest year-on-year growth among major ports at 17.2 percent, followed by JNPA at 11.2 percent, Kamarajar Port Ltd at 9.6 percent, Deendayal Port Authority at 9.4 percent and Mormugao Port Authority at 7.9 percent. Only two ports saw revenue decline during the year, with Chennai Port Authority reporting a 2.3 percent fall and Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority posting a 1.4 percent drop.

How has major port revenue grown over the past five years?

Combined revenue across India’s 12 major ports has risen more than 50 percent over the past five years, from Rs 17,671 crore in FY22 to Rs 26,583 crore in FY26. Among the fastest-growing ports, VOC Port Authority led with revenue surging nearly 92 percent between FY22 and FY26. Mumbai Port Authority followed with growth of around 68 percent, while JNPA at 62.5 percent, Visakhapatnam Port Authority at 60.6 percent and Deendayal Port Authority at 60.6 percent also recorded revenue growth exceeding 60 percent over the period.