THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

DHAMRA, APRIL 2, 2026

Dhamra Port Company Limited (DPCL) has achieved a significant milestone by handling 48.80 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo during financial year 2025-26 (FY26), surpassing FY25 throughput of 46.08 MMT and reaffirming its expanding role in India’s logistics and maritime growth story. The landmark performance reflects strong operational efficiency across key verticals including railway logistics, dry cargo handling, ship-to-ship (STS) operations, and total cargo throughput.

Demonstrating remarkable strength in rail connectivity, DPCL recorded its highest-ever monthly railway movement with 912 rakes, comprising 320 loading and 592 unloading rakes, exceeding the earlier benchmark of 880 rakes. On an annual basis, the port handled a record 9,604 rakes, improving upon the previous high of 9,139 rakes, underscoring the growing efficiency of rail evacuation and reception systems.

The port also achieved a new monthly high in dry cargo handling at 4.37 MMT, surpassing the earlier record of 4.11 MMT, reflecting enhanced capability in bulk cargo operations supported by robust cargo management infrastructure. Adding further momentum, DPCL registered its highest-ever ship-to-ship (STS) handling of 0.61 MMT in March 2026, contributing to a record annual STS volume of 4.38 MMT, exceeding the previous record of 3.77 MMT and marking a historic high in offshore cargo transfer operations.

Overall cargo performance also touched new peaks, with monthly cargo handling crossing the 5 MMT mark in March 2026, improving upon the previous best of 4.64 MMT. Annual dry cargo handling reached a record 42.80 MMT, higher than the previous benchmark of 42.06 MMT, reinforcing DPCL’s position as a key enabler of bulk cargo movement in the country.

The company attributed this strong performance to its continued focus on infrastructure development and operational excellence. Investments in new railway lines, expanded stack yard capacity, and mechanised handling systems have significantly enhanced operational capability. A well-defined investment roadmap coupled with disciplined execution has enabled DPCL to consistently improve cargo handling efficiency.

DPCL acknowledged the collective contribution of stakeholders across the maritime ecosystem, including Customs authorities, Indian Railways, regulatory agencies, Immigration officials, the Odisha Government, district administration, valued customers, and its dedicated workforce. Their coordinated efforts have played a crucial role in driving innovation, improving operational outcomes, and supporting sustainable growth of the port sector.