New Delhi, Jan. 1 -- Over 80% of global trade by volume and more than 70% by value moves by sea and is handled at ports, according to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's (UNCTAD's) Review of Maritime Transport. In India, about 95% of trade by volume and 68% by value is carried by maritime transport. Seaports, therefore, underpin economic growth by enabling international and domestic trade.

India's 11,098km coastline hosts 12 major ports and 217 other than major ports (OMPs). Of the 'major ports' listed in the Seventh Schedule, Union List-List I (Entry 27) of the Constitution, 11 were historically port trusts under the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 (now the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021). OMPs are administered by maritim...