Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, Gujarat, has crossed 125 million tonnes (MT) of cargo handling in FY2026–27, reaching the milestone 72 days earlier than it did in the previous financial year. The achievement puts the port on a strong early-year trajectory following its record 160.11 MT throughput in FY2025–26.
The latest milestone reinforces Deendayal's position among India's largest cargo gateways. In the previous financial year, it ranked first among the country's 12 major ports, narrowly ahead of Paradip Port Authority, which handled 156.45 MT. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) followed with 102.01 MT.
A faster start to the financial year
Crossing 125 MT 72 days earlier indicates a faster accumulation of cargo throughput compared with the previous year. However, the milestone alone does not establish the year-on-year growth rate. A comparison of cargo handled over identical dates in both financial years would be required to measure the actual increase.
At 125 MT, DPA has already handled approximately 78% of its entire FY2025–26 volume. It needs another 35.11 MT to match last year's record. Maintaining this pace will depend on cargo demand, vessel arrivals, handling capacity and hinterland evacuation.
Diversified cargo base supports volumes
Deendayal operates across Kandla and Vadinar, handling a diverse range of cargo that includes crude oil, petroleum products, coal, fertilisers, salt, edible oils, foodgrains, steel and containerised cargo.
Its two operating locations serve different supply-chain requirements. Kandla handles dry bulk, break-bulk and containerised cargo, while Vadinar is a significant gateway for crude oil imports, petroleum products and crude transhipment.
The port's previous-year performance also showed changes in its cargo mix. During FY2025–26, fertiliser volumes increased by around 32%, liquid cargo by 23.4% and container cargo by 54%. Iron and steel traffic also recorded growth. These figures explain the previous year's expansion, although DPA has not yet disclosed which commodities contributed to the latest 125 MT milestone.
Significance for India's port sector
India's major ports collectively handled 915.17 MT in FY2025–26, registering 7.06% growth over the previous year and exceeding their combined annual target of 904 MT.
Deendayal accounted for approximately 17.5% of this national major-port throughput, making its performance an important component of India's overall cargo movement.
The next benchmark will be whether DPA can sustain its accelerated throughput and surpass the 160.11 MT record. The 125 MT milestone provides an early indication of momentum; the remaining financial year will determine whether that translates into another annual record.
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