Understanding the Port Question

The question asks to identify a major port in India based on specific characteristics:

• It is located at the head of the Gulf of Kutch.
• It serves the needs of the western and north-western parts of the country.
• It was developed to reduce pressure on the Mumbai port.

We need to evaluate the given options against these criteria to find the correct port.

Analyzing the Options for the Major Port

Let's examine each option:

1. Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad is a major city in Gujarat but is located inland, not at the head of the Gulf of Kutch. It is not a port. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
2. Kandla: Kandla Port, now officially known as Deendayal Port, is located on the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat. It was developed after India's independence to handle trade, particularly from the western and north-western hinterlands, especially after the loss of Karachi port to Pakistan. It is a major port and plays a significant role in reducing the traffic burden on Mumbai port. This option fits all the descriptions provided in the question.
3. Kochchi: Kochchi (Kochi) Port is a major port situated on the south-west coast of India in Kerala. It is located on the Arabian Sea and serves the southern parts of the country. It is not located at the head of the Gulf of Kutch and does not primarily serve western and north-western India or relieve pressure on Mumbai port in the manner described. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
4. Kolkata: Kolkata Port is a major riverine port located on the Hooghly River in West Bengal, on the eastern side of India. It serves the eastern and north-eastern parts of the country. It is far from the Gulf of Kutch and does not fit the description. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Identifying the Correct Port

Based on the analysis, Kandla Port is the only option that matches all the characteristics mentioned in the question: its location at the head of the Gulf of Kutch, its role in catering to western and north-western India, and its function in reducing the pressure on Mumbai port.

Revision Table: Key Ports of India

Additional Information on Kandla Port

Kandla Port, now known as Deendayal Port, is one of the twelve major ports of India. Its development was crucial after the partition of India in 1947, as the major port of Karachi went to Pakistan. Kandla was envisioned to replace Karachi and handle the trade requirements of the vast hinterland comprising Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh. Its strategic location in the Gulf of Kutch makes it easily accessible from western India. The port primarily handles crude oil, petroleum products, fertilizers, salt, food grains, and other cargo. Its development significantly contributed to easing the congestion at Mumbai Port and boosting the economy of the western region.