India’s ports sector is expected to record steady growth through FY28, with container traffic leading cargo expansion amid rising trade, infrastructure development, and logistics modernization,

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• A Motilal Oswal report projects container traffic at Indian ports to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7-9% between FY26 and FY28, outperforming all major cargo segments.
• Rising domestic consumption, expanding manufacturing, increasing merchandise trade, and higher containerisation of cargo are expected to remain the key drivers of sustained growth in India’s maritime sector.
• Continued government investments in port modernization, multimodal connectivity, capacity expansion, and logistics infrastructure are expected to strengthen India’s position as a global logistics and trade hub.
• Coal cargo traffic is projected to decline at a compound annual growth rate of 2-4% due to higher domestic coal production, renewable energy expansion, and reduced dependence on imports.
• Petroleum, oil, and lubricants cargo volumes are expected to register moderate growth of 2-4%, supported by stable fuel demand despite improving fuel efficiency and alternative energy adoption.
• Iron ore cargo traffic is likely to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5-7%, driven by increased coastal transportation to steel plants and higher imports amid elevated domestic prices.
• India’s major ports handled nearly 915 million metric tonnes of cargo during FY2025-26, recording approximately 7% year-on-year growth, supported by strong overseas and coastal cargo movement.
• The report states that policy support, infrastructure development, and growing international trade will continue strengthening India’s maritime ecosystem and long-term economic competitiveness.