Question

Which among the following statements is/are true about India's maritime trade?

• A. India has 12 major government ports to handle India's maritime trade.
• B. The share of coastal shipping in overall cargo movement in India is high compared to US, EU, and other countries.
• C. The share of India’s inland water transport cargo traffic is low relative to China and Europe.
• D. The development of non-major ports due to growing private sector participation has led to a shift in cargo traffic.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C), (D)

The development of non-major ports due to growing private sector participation has led to a shift in cargo traffic.

According to sources, India has 12 major government ports. Cargo handling at Indian Ports has matured over time. Thus, capacity utilization at the major ports has decreased. The water transportation is largely untapped and underutilized. This is due to insufficient infrastructure and the absence of favorable policies. Despite the long coastline, India's share in coastal shipping and inland water transport is significantly low compared to developed countries.