New Delhi, July 19 -- India's port sector is entering a differentiated growth phase, with container volumes emerging as the strongest driver while coal traffic declines and POL and iron ore post moderate gains.

According to a research report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services, "Container traffic is expected to remain a key growth driver for Indian ports, supported by favourable macroeconomic conditions, rising domestic consumption, and greater adoption of containerisation, with volumes projected to expand at a 7-9% CAGR over FY26-FY28," the brokerage said.

The brokerage expects private players to gain disproportionately. "While the industry growth rate is expected to be 4-5% over the medium term, both APSEZ and JSWINFRA are set for sus...