<p data-path-to-node="2">In a monumental display of maritime operational efficiency, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat, has established a new national benchmark for cargo handling. On October 2, 2026, the port successfully managed an astounding 9.63 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of cargo within a single 24-hour operational window. This unprecedented achievement shatters all previous single-day records held by any Major Port in India, firmly cementing DPA's position as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the nation's maritime logistics sector.</p><p data-path-to-node="3">The record-breaking volume was achieved through the simultaneous, highly synchronized handling of diverse cargo profiles across multiple berths. The 9.63 lakh MT throughput comprised a complex mix of dry bulk, liquid cargo, and break-bulk shipments. Critical national imports, including industrial coal, agricultural fertilizers, edible oils, and essential petroleum products, constituted the bulk of the day's operations. Managing such immense volumes without triggering severe berth congestion required flawless coordination between the port's marine department, terminal operators, and the inland evacuation networks.</p><p data-path-to-node="4">This operational triumph is the direct result of aggressive, sustained infrastructural modernization executed under the central government's PM Gati Shakti framework. Over the past year, DPA has systematically increased its navigational draft, allowing larger capesize vessels to dock fully laden. Furthermore, the aggressive deployment of high-capacity mobile harbor cranes and the automation of conveyor systems for dry bulk have drastically accelerated vessel turnaround times. The successful integration of public-private partnership (PPP) models at specialized berths also played a pivotal role in maximizing daily productivity.</p><p data-path-to-node="5">Beyond the immediate numbers, this single-day record is a critical indicator of India's resilient economic engine and growing industrial demand. As the primary maritime gateway for the massive northern and western Indian hinterlands, Kandla’s ability to efficiently process and dispatch nearly a million tonnes of cargo in one day ensures that power plants, agricultural hubs, and refineries remain well-stocked. The rapid evacuation of this cargo via connected rail and dedicated freight corridors prevented any downstream supply chain bottlenecks.</p><p data-path-to-node="6">For supply chain professionals and policymakers analyzing the <b data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="62">Haulagetimes</b> file, DPA’s performance provides a blueprint for scalable port operations. It demonstrates that strategic investments in deep-water drafts and mechanized handling can exponentially increase existing terminal capacity without requiring entirely new greenfield expansions. As India continues to target aggressive export-import growth, Deendayal Port’s record-setting efficiency will serve as the operational gold standard for the country's evolving maritime infrastructure.</p>