Adani Ports & SEZ handled 46 MMT of cargo in September 2026, registering an 11% year-on-year (YoY) growth. The increase was primarily led by a 15% YoY rise in container volumes.

For the first half of fiscal year 2027 (H1 FY27), the company clocked total cargo volumes of 280 MMT, marking a 15% YoY increase. This performance was supported by strong growth in both containers and dry cargo, each expanding 15% YoY during the period.

Logistics rail performance

While port volumes showed robust growth, logistics rail operations presented a mixed picture. In September 2026, logistics rail volumes stood at 62,302 TEUs, reflecting a modest 3% YoY increase.

However, over the six-month H1 FY27 period, logistics rail volumes declined to 312,763 TEUs, representing a 13% YoY contraction. This divergence highlights differing momentum between maritime cargo handling and inland rail logistics during the reported periods.

What the numbers show

The data reveals a clear divergence between port throughput and inland logistics trends. While port cargo volumes accelerated with double-digit growth in both monthly and half-yearly metrics, logistics rail volumes contracted significantly by 13% over H1 FY27. This suggests that while maritime trade activity remained strong, the efficiency or demand for associated rail evacuation may have faced headwinds or operational shifts during the first half of the fiscal year.

Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd inaugurated the Phase II expansion of its Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), doubling the facility's capacity to 3.2 million TEUs.

The expansion involved a total investment of USD 750 million and was flagged off by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya on September 30, 2026. This move strengthens CWIT’s ambition to handle nearly 25% of the Port of Colombo’s targeted 13 million TEU capacity by 2028.

Operational milestones and capacity details

The terminal has achieved significant operational speed since its inception. It recorded a historic feat by handling 2 million TEUs within its first 18 months of operation, building on its earlier record as the fastest terminal to handle 1 million TEUs in its inaugural year in 2024.

With the new capacity, CWIT can simultaneously berth three ultra-large container vessels. The facility is Sri Lanka’s first fully automated deep-water container terminal, designed for fully electrified operations with zero tailpipe emissions.

Strategic positioning in global trade

Ashwani Gupta, Whole-Time Director and CEO of APSEZ, stated that the capacity doubling is a direct statement of confidence from the company and global shipping lines. He noted that the expansion sharpens APSEZ’s position across key Indian Ocean trade corridors.

Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of John Keells Group, highlighted that reaching 2 million TEUs in 18 months reflects the strength of the partnership between APSEZ, John Keells Holdings, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. The joint venture operates under a 35-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession.

What the numbers show

The data reveals a rapid acceleration in throughput relative to infrastructure scaling. Handling 2 million TEUs in 18 months indicates an average monthly throughput of approximately 111,000 TEUs. By doubling capacity to 3.2 million TEUs annually (approx. 266,666 TEUs per month), the terminal creates substantial headroom to accommodate larger vessel sizes and increased transshipment volumes without immediate further capital expenditure. This aligns with the strategic goal to capture a quarter of the Port of Colombo’s projected 2028 volume target.