UPSC Prelims 2023 Q2: Geography – Transport & Infrastructure Geography
Consider the following pairs:
Port - Well known as
1. Kamarajar Port : First major port in India registered as a company
2. Mundra Port : Largest privately owned port in India
3. Visakhapatnam Port : Largest container port in India
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
- (a) Only one pair
- (b) Only two pairs
- (c) All three pairs
- (d) None of the pairs
Answer: (b) Only two pairs
Explanation
Indian Major Ports — Facts Check
| Pair | Port | Claimed Distinction | Verdict | Correct Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kamarajar Port (Ennore, Tamil Nadu) | First major port registered as a company | TRUE | Kamarajar Port Ltd is the only major port in India incorporated under the Companies Act — all others are under Major Port Trusts Act. |
| 2 | Mundra Port (Gujarat, Adani) | Largest privately owned port in India | TRUE | Mundra is India's largest private commercial port by cargo capacity, operated by Adani Ports. |
| 3 | Visakhapatnam Port | Largest container port in India | FALSE | Visakhapatnam is India's deepest landlocked port, not the largest container port. Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT/Nhava Sheva) in Mumbai handles the most containers. |
Pairs 1 and 2 are correct → Only two pairs.
Answer: (b) Only two pairs.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. 'Only one pair' — both Kamarajar (company structure) and Mundra (largest private port) are correctly described.
- (b) CORRECT. Only pairs 1 and 2 are correctly matched. Visakhapatnam is the deepest landlocked port, not the largest container port.
- (c) Incorrect. 'All three pairs' — Visakhapatnam Port is known for being a deep natural harbour, not for container traffic volumes.
- (d) Incorrect. 'None of the pairs' — Kamarajar Port being registered as a company is a well-documented and distinctive fact.
Key point
Kamarajar Port = only major port as a company (Companies Act). Mundra = largest private port. JNPT (Nhava Sheva) = largest container port, NOT Visakhapatnam. Vizag = deepest landlocked port.
Remember
Visakhapatnam is India's deepest landlocked port, NOT the largest container port. JNPT handles maximum containers. Kamarajar Port is the only major port registered as a company.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Visakhapatnam's claim to fame — it is India's deepest landlocked port, not the container traffic leader.
- Not knowing JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust) handles the bulk of India's container traffic.
- Missing the unique corporate structure of Kamarajar Port — the only major port incorporated as a company under the Companies Act.
Exam tip
Port facts to memorise: Kamarajar = company structure (unique). Mundra = largest private. JNPT = largest container. Vizag = deepest landlocked. Kandla (Deendayal) = largest by cargo volume.
Sources
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways — Major Ports of India
- Indian Ports Association — Annual Statistics