The operational efficiency of Major Ports continues to improve as a result of modernization, mechanization, acquiring of latest technology and deepening of drafts. In 2015, an international benchmarking consultant conducted a study of Major Ports and recommended 116 initiatives to enhance their efficiency & productivity to international benchmarks. Of the 116 initiatives, 62 have already been implemented as a result of which the overall average turnaround time and productivity of the Major Ports has improved considerably. The remaining initiatives are under process and will be implemented by 2019. Implementation of these initiatives would further improve the efficiency and productivity of the Major Ports.
The traffic in Major Ports has been steadily growing. The overall traffic handled by the Major Ports during the last three years and the current year up to October, 2016 is given below:
(In Million Tonnes)
| Year | Traffic handled |
| 2013-14 | 555.49 |
| 2014-15 | 581.34 |
| 2015-16 | 606.37 |
| 2016-17
(Upto October, 2016) |
370.45
|