Mumbai - India’s relatively smaller state-owned ports are showing stronger growth momentum this fiscal year, buoyed by improved connectivity, capacity upgrades, and steady demand for select commodities.

According to data from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the country’s 12 major ports collectively handled 437.43 million tonnes (mt) of cargo during the first half of FY26 — up 5.75% from 413.65 mt a year earlier.

Overseas cargo volumes rose 5.2% to 336.47 mt, while coastal shipments jumped 7.6% to 100.97 mt. Among cargo categories, fertiliser imports . . .