TOTAL cargo volumes handled by India's major ports in January 2010 grew 13.4 per cent compared to the previous month to 51.3 million tonnes, with container throughput rising 31 per cent as well to 60.8 million TEU.

The surge in January's cargo volume was driven by the ports of Paradip, Mormugao, Tuticorin and New Mangalore which saw year-on-year growth ranging from 25 to 43 per cent. But volume was down 21.8 per cent compared to the same month the previous year at the Port of Ennore, while Haldia Port suffered a year-on-year decline of 22.3 per cent, the Times of India reported.

Based on data from the Indian Ports Association (IPA), the report said January's result was driven mainly by JNPT-Mumbai registering 30 per cent growth during the period and Chennai growing 36 per cent. However, volumes at Kolkata Port fell 15.5 per cent.

The rise in January's cargo volumes was mainly driven by a 47 per cent increase in coal volumes year on year. On a sequential basis, coal volumes were up by 19.2 per cent, while fertiliser and crude volumes fell by 11.8 per cent and 2.2 per cent year on year, respectively. Iron ore was up seven per cent year on year, the report added.