Minor Ports
As per the Indian Constitution the Indian government has a federal structure and thus the maritime transport comes under the concurrent list. The ports are thus either under the management of the Central government or the State government. The Central Shipping Ministry controls and supervises the major ports, whereas the minor ports and intermediate are managed by the state government’s maritime board. 9 Indian states, namely Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, West Bengal, Kerala, Andhra . India has a 7,517 kilometre long coastline and has innumerable ports. India has 13 major ports and over 180 minor ports and ranks 16th in the world in terms of shipping tonnage. These ports are important aspects of national infrastructure and have helped make the Indian market more attractive for foreign investors. With increased private sector participation, the sector is likely to reach greater heights.
Indian ports are classified as major, minor and intermediate ports for administrative reasons. Pradesh and Karnataka, are home to the minor ports. Minor ports have also been established in 4 Union Territories- Diu & Daman, Lakshadweep Islands, Pondicherry, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The increase in private sector participation has resulted in an increase in the number of minor ports. Cargo traffic handled by the minor ports has exceeded cargo traffic at major ports. Non-major ports reap huge benefits from the strong growth in India’s external trade.
Some of the minor ports are as follows:
1. Azhikkal Port
2. Belekeri
3. Kannur
4. Kundapur
5. Dahej
6. Jafrabad
7. Jakhau
8. Kazargode
9. Neendakara
10. Pindhara
11. Ponnani
12. Tellichery/Thalassery
13. Beypore
