Record-Breaking Month! Mundra Port Shines with Automobile & Liquid Cargo Surge

India’s export infrastructure witnessed a major milestone in January 2026. Mundra Port in Gujarat posted record-breaking figures in both automobile exports and liquid cargo handling. The news highlights India’s growing role in global trade and the rising demand for Indian-manufactured vehicles. With advanced terminals and strong connectivity, Mundra Port continues to strengthen India’s logistics backbone and support export-led growth.

Mundra Port Record Auto Exports

• Mundra Port, operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), handled its highest-ever monthly automobile exports in January 2026.
• A total of 25,762 vehicles were shipped through its dedicated roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) terminal at Adani Mundra Container Terminal (CT2).
• This surpassed the previous record set in May 2024 and reflects strong overseas demand for Indian vehicles across global markets.

Strong Global Demand for Indian Automobiles

• Major automobile manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki and Toyota increasingly routed exports through Mundra Port.
• Vehicles were shipped to markets in Africa, Europe, East Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
• The rising use of Mundra highlights India’s growing reputation as a global automobile manufacturing hub and the importance of efficient ports in supporting exports.

Single-Vessel Loading Record at Mundra Port

• Mundra Port also set a single-vessel loading record, loading 5,701 vehicles on one ship in January.
• This was the highest number of automobiles handled in a single movement at the port.
• The operation achieved a gross handling rate of 145 vehicles per hour, requiring precise coordination between yard management, terminal planning, and vessel operations, while maintaining strict safety and security standards.

Mundra Port Liquid Cargo Handling Hits New Peak

• Alongside auto exports, Mundra Port liquid cargo handling touched a new high.
• The port’s liquid terminal handled 1.120 million tonnes of liquid cargo in January 2026, its highest-ever monthly throughput.
• This surpassed the earlier record set in December 2025.
• The cargo included energy products, chemicals, and industrial liquids, showcasing Mundra’s ability to handle diverse cargo streams simultaneously.

Why Mundra Port Leads India’s Maritime Trade

• Mundra is India’s largest commercial port, handling over 200 million tonnes of cargo annually.
• APSEZ accounts for nearly 27% of India’s total port volumes and operates 15 ports in India and four overseas ports.
• Dedicated automotive and liquid terminals, automation, digital tracking, and strong rail-road connectivity give Mundra a competitive edge in global logistics.

Policy Push and Infrastructure Support

• The strong performance aligns with the government’s push to strengthen logistics and maritime infrastructure.
• The Union Budget 2026-27 reiterated focus on port expansion, multimodal connectivity, and export facilitation.
• Experts believe sustained investment in ports like Mundra will be critical for India’s integration into global manufacturing and supply chains.

Question

Q. Which port handled the highest-ever monthly automobile exports in January 2026?

A. JNPT
B. Chennai Port
C. Mundra Port
D. Kandla Port