New Delhi, Sept. 13 -- Kandla Port, managed by theDeendayal Port Authority(DPA), is set to expand its operations beyondGujaratfor the first time.

The port authority is exploring opportunities to manage terminals inMaharashtraandKarnataka, signalling a major strategic shift in India's maritime sector.

Until now, Kandla's operations were limited to Gujarat, but this expansion aims to replicate its efficient model across other coastal states.

In the last financial year, Kandla handled over 150 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo.

Nearly 60% of this was petroleum, oil and lubricants, while the remaining included timber, salt exports, food grains, edible oils, chemicals and containerised cargo.

This strong cargo base has encouraged DPA t...