Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Maharashtra has emerged as India’s highest revenue-generating major port in FY26, despite ranking third in cargo volumes, surpassing larger cargo handlers such as Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) and Paradip Port Authority.
According to government data tabled in Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session, JNPA generated ₹4,356 crore in revenue during FY26, accounting for 16.4 per cent of the combined earnings of India’s 12 major ports.
Deendayal Port Authority, which reclaimed the top position in cargo handling by moving a record 160.11 million tonnes during FY26, ranked second in revenue at ₹3,437 crore. Mumbai Port Authority followed closely with ₹3,319 crore. Together, the three ports accounted for nearly 42 per cent of the ₹26,583 crore revenue generated by the country’s major ports during the year.
The contrasting rankings highlight that cargo volumes alone do not determine a port’s financial performance. Revenue generation is influenced by factors including cargo mix, vessel traffic, terminal utilisation, value-added services and other commercial operations.
JNPA handled a record 102 million tonnes of cargo and more than 8 million TEUs during FY26. Higher cargo throughput, expanded terminal capacity and technology-driven operational improvements contributed to the port’s strong financial performance.
“Our record financial performance in FY26 reflects sustained operational excellence, capacity expansion and prudent financial management. Crossing 102 million tonnes of cargo and handling over 8 million TEUs demonstrates the growing confidence of global shipping lines and the trade in JNPA’s infrastructure and service standards,” JNPA Chairperson Gaurav Dayal said.
He added that revenue growth was driven by increased cargo throughput, higher vessel traffic, expanded terminal capacity and technology-led operational improvements. JNPA, he said, will continue to invest in world-class infrastructure, digital transformation and sustainable growth initiatives to strengthen India’s maritime competitiveness.
Major Ports’ Revenue Rises 7%
India’s 12 major ports collectively recorded a 7 per cent increase in revenue in FY26, with earnings rising to ₹26,583 crore, compared with ₹24,848 crore in FY25.
Mumbai Port Authority registered the strongest year-on-year growth at 17.2 per cent, followed by JNPA at 11.2 per cent, Kamarajar Port at 9.6 per cent, Deendayal Port Authority at 9.4 per cent and Mormugao Port Authority at 7.9 per cent.
Only two major ports reported a decline in revenue during FY26. Chennai Port Authority’s revenue fell 2.3 per cent, while Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority recorded a 1.4 per cent decline.
Major Ports Record Strong Five-Year Growth
The revenue performance also reflects a sustained improvement in the financial strength of India’s major ports. Combined revenue of the 12 ports increased by more than 50 per cent, rising from ₹17,671 crore in FY22 to ₹26,583 crore in FY26.
VO Chidambaranar Port Authority recorded the fastest growth over the five years, with revenue surging by nearly 92 per cent. Mumbai Port Authority followed with growth of around 68 per cent, while JNPA recorded a 62.5 per cent increase.
Visakhapatnam Port Authority and Deendayal Port Authority also posted revenue growth of around 60.6 per cent each between FY22 and FY26.
The figures underline the growing importance of operational efficiency, terminal capacity, cargo diversification and technology adoption in determining the financial performance of India’s major ports, even as cargo volumes remain a key indicator of port activity.
