Major Indian ports cut vessel turnaround time in FY26

India’s major ports reduced their average vessel turnaround time from 52.87 hours in financial year 2021–22 to 48.84 hours in 2025–26, the government has informed Parliament.

The reduction amounts to a 7.6 per cent improvement in the time vessels spend at port facilities, from arrival to departure after completing cargo operations.

The turnaround time is a key measure of operational efficiency at India’s major state-owned ports. Together, these ports handled a record 915.17 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2025–26, reported Swarajya.

The improvement follows a decade of infrastructure modernisation. Average turnaround time has fallen from 96 hours in 2014 to the current level, supported by mechanisation and digital integration.

Lower vessel turnaround times can also reduce logistics costs for exporters and importers by cutting demurrage charges and vessel idle time.

Major ports recorded their best-ever turnaround time of 48.06 hours in FY 2023–24. This increased slightly to 49.4 hours in 2024–25, before improving again in the latest financial year.

The government has attributed the gains to measures including the construction of new berths and terminals, digitisation of port processes, and improved rail and road connectivity.

Container vessels recorded even faster turnaround times, with operations at some facilities completed in under 30 hours.

Nine Indian ports now rank among the global top 100 for container handling efficiency, reflecting improved competitiveness in international maritime trade.