Gujarat’s minor ports driving local industry and efficiency
Gujarat, a key economic hub, leverages its 1,600 km coastline to drive trade and industry growth through well-developed infrastructure and business-friendly policies. With 49 operational ports, including the central government-managed Deendayal Port and 48 non-major ports under the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), the state leads in cargo throughput.
Handling about 41% of India's maritime cargo, Gujarat's ports are vital gateways, fuelling economic growth and global connectivity. When Narendra Modi became Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001, the state's coastal potential was underutilised due to poor infrastructure. He aimed to transform Gujarat into a global trade hub by developing minor ports and modernizing and expanding existing ones. A key element of this vision was Mundra Port, which grew into India’s largest private port, showcasing his strategy to leverage Gujarat’s strategic location. Mundra’s success boosted exports in agriculture and manufacturing, attracted investment, and spurred rapid growth in sectors like petrochemicals, textiles, and automobiles, strengthening Gujarat’s industrial base through Special Economic Zones.
