Which is the largest container port in India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), Maharashtra
Explanation
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), also known as Nhava Sheva, located east of Mumbai in Maharashtra, is the largest container port in India. It handles a significant majority of India's containerized cargo and is connected to major highways and rail networks. While Mundra Port is India's largest private commercial port by overall cargo volume, JNPT traditionally holds the record as the leading premier container handling port owned by the government. Other ports like Chennai and Kolkata handle substantial cargo but operate at a lower container capacity compared to JNPT.
Key Points
The port was commissioned in 1989 to decongest the nearby Mumbai Port and serve as a modern gateway for container traffic.
It handles roughly half of the total containerized cargo flowing through India's major government-controlled ports.
The facility utilizes state-of-the-art technology and features multiple container terminals operated by global logistics leaders.
It provides extensive connectivity to India's vast hinterland, particularly the industrial hubs of North, West, and Central India.
Additional Facts
JNPT became the first major port in India to completely transition into a 100% landlord port model, where berth operations are managed by private entities while the port authority acts as a regulator.
The port is a vital terminal link for the ambitious Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, aimed at drastically reducing cargo transit times across the country.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: By what other popular name is the Jawaharlal Nehru Port known?
Answer: It is widely known as Nhava Sheva Port, named after the local villages situated in the area.
Question: Which body of water provides maritime access to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port?
Answer: The port is situated on the eastern shores of the Arabian Sea, along the Thane Creek.