Bhutan, being a landlocked country, does not have traditional seaports. However, it does have border crossings and inland ports that facilitate trade and transportation. Here are the main types of ports in Bhutan:
- Border Crossings: Bhutan has several border crossings with neighboring countries, primarily India. These crossings serve as important points for the movement of goods and people between Bhutan and its neighboring countries. Some key border crossings include Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar, facilitating trade and transportation by road.
- Inland Ports: While Bhutan does not have seaports, it does have inland ports located along its borders and major transportation routes. These ports serve as terminals for the clearance and transshipment of goods entering and exiting Bhutan. They also facilitate trade and transportation within the country. The exact number of inland ports may vary based on infrastructure development and trade needs.
List of Largest Ports Serving Bhutan
| Port Name | Type of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 1500 |
| Mumbai Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 1200 |
| Chennai Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 1000 |
| Kandla Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 800 |
| Visakhapatnam Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 700 |
| Kolkata Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 600 |
| Paradip Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 500 |
| Mormugao Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 400 |
| Cochin Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 300 |
| Tuticorin Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 200 |
| Mangalore Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 150 |
| Ennore Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 100 |
| Haldia Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 80 |
| Krishnapatnam Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 70 |
| Mundra Port | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 50 |
Major Ports Near to Bhutan
While Bhutan lacks maritime ports of its own, it relies on neighboring countries such as India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and China for access to international trade and transportation. These ports serve as crucial gateways for Bhutan’s import and export activities, facilitating the country’s economic development and integration into the global economy.
1. Port of Kolkata, India
City Location: Kolkata, Latitude: 22.5726, Longitude: 88.3639
The Port of Kolkata, situated on the eastern coast of India, serves as a crucial maritime gateway for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Kolkata’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s import and export activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH27 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 170 | NH27 |
| Jaigaon | 170 | NH27 |
| Thimphu | 310 | NH317, NH27 |
| Paro | 330 | NH317, NH27 |
| Punakha | 250 | NH317 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 260 | NH317 |
| Gelephu | 500 | NH31 |
2. Port of Haldia, India
City Location: Haldia, Latitude: 22.0250, Longitude: 88.0583
The Port of Haldia, located on the eastern coast of India, serves as a vital maritime link for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Haldia’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s trade activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH27 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 180 | NH27 |
| Jaigaon | 180 | NH27 |
| Thimphu | 320 | NH317, NH27 |
| Paro | 340 | NH317, NH27 |
| Punakha | 260 | NH317 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 270 | NH317 |
| Gelephu | 510 | NH31 |
3. Port of Mongla, Bangladesh
City Location: Mongla, Latitude: Bagerhat, Longitude: 22.6516, Longitude: 89.8167
The Port of Mongla, located in southwestern Bangladesh, serves as a maritime gateway for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Mongla’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s import and export activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH127 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 210 | NH127 |
| Jaigaon | 210 | NH127 |
| Thimphu | 350 | NH317, NH127 |
| Paro | 370 | NH317, NH127 |
| Punakha | 290 | NH317, NH127 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 300 | NH317, NH127 |
| Gelephu | 550 | NH127 |
4. Port of Chittagong, Bangladesh
City Location: Chittagong, Latitude: 22.3569, Longitude: 91.7832
The Port of Chittagong, located on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh, serves as a crucial maritime link for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Chittagong’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s trade activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH127 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 360 | NH127 |
| Jaigaon | 360 | NH127 |
| Thimphu | 500 | NH317, NH127 |
| Paro | 520 | NH317, NH127 |
| Punakha | 440 | NH317, NH127 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 450 | NH317, NH127 |
| Gelephu | 700 | NH127 |
5. Port of Vishakhapatnam, India
City Location: Vishakhapatnam, Latitude: 17.6868, Longitude: 83.2185
The Port of Vishakhapatnam, located on the southeastern coast of India, serves as a maritime link for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Vishakhapatnam’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s import and export activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH27 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 640 | NH27 |
| Jaigaon | 640 | NH27 |
| Thimphu | 780 | NH317, NH27 |
| Paro | 800 | NH317, NH27 |
| Punakha | 720 | NH317 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 730 | NH317 |
| Gelephu | 980 | NH31 |
6. Port of Chennai, India
City Location: Chennai, Latitude: 13.0827, Longitude: 80.2707
The Port of Chennai, situated on the southeastern coast of India, serves as a maritime gateway for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Chennai’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s trade activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH27 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 1500 | NH27 |
| Jaigaon | 1500 | NH27 |
| Thimphu | 1640 | NH317, NH27 |
| Paro | 1660 | NH317, NH27 |
| Punakha | 1580 | NH317 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 1590 | NH317 |
| Gelephu | 1840 | NH31 |
7. Port of Paradip, India
City Location: Paradip, Latitude: 20.3168, Longitude: 86.6041
The Port of Paradip, located on the eastern coast of India, serves as a maritime link for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Paradip’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s import and export activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH27 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 450 | NH27 |
| Jaigaon | 450 | NH27 |
| Thimphu | 590 | NH317, NH27 |
| Paro | 610 | NH317, NH27 |
| Punakha | 530 | NH317 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 540 | NH317 |
| Gelephu | 790 | NH31 |
8. Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka
City Location: Colombo, Latitude: 6.9271, Longitude: 79.8612
The Port of Colombo, situated on the western coast of Sri Lanka, serves as a significant maritime gateway for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Colombo’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s import and export activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH27 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 1860 | NH27 |
| Jaigaon | 1860 | NH27 |
| Thimphu | 2000 | NH317, NH27 |
| Paro | 2020 | NH317, NH27 |
| Punakha | 1940 | NH317 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 1950 | NH317 |
| Gelephu | 2200 | NH31 |
9. Port of Male, Maldives
City Location: Male, Latitude: 4.1755, Longitude: 73.5093
The Port of Male, located in the Maldives, serves as a maritime link for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Male’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s import and export activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH127 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 1760 | NH127 |
| Jaigaon | 1760 | NH127 |
| Thimphu | 1900 | NH317, NH127 |
| Paro | 1920 | NH317, NH127 |
| Punakha | 1840 | NH317, NH127 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 1850 | NH317, NH127 |
| Gelephu | 2100 | NH127 |
10. Port of Tuticorin, India
City Location: Tuticorin, Latitude: 8.7642, Longitude: 78.1348
The Port of Tuticorin, located on the southern coast of India, serves as a maritime link for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Tuticorin’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s import and export activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH27 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 2420 | NH27 |
| Jaigaon | 2420 | NH27 |
| Thimphu | 2560 | NH317, NH27 |
| Paro | 2580 | NH317, NH27 |
| Punakha | 2500 | NH317 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 2510 | NH317 |
| Gelephu | 2760 | NH31 |
11. Port of Kochi, India
City Location: Kochi, Latitude: 9.9312, Longitude: 76.2673
The Port of Kochi, situated on the southwestern coast of India, serves as a maritime link for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Kochi’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s import and export activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH27 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 2500 | NH27 |
| Jaigaon | 2500 | NH27 |
| Thimphu | 2640 | NH317, NH27 |
| Paro | 2660 | NH317, NH27 |
| Punakha | 2580 | NH317 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 2590 | NH317 |
| Gelephu | 2840 | NH31 |
12. Port of Visakhapatnam, India
City Location: Visakhapatnam, Latitude: 17.6868, Longitude: 83.2185
The Port of Visakhapatnam, situated on the southeastern coast of India, serves as a maritime link for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Visakhapatnam’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s import and export activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH27 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 2640 | NH27 |
| Jaigaon | 2640 | NH27 |
| Thimphu | 2780 | NH317, NH27 |
| Paro | 2800 | NH317, NH27 |
| Punakha | 2720 | NH317 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 2730 | NH317 |
| Gelephu | 2980 | NH31 |
13. Port of Mangalore, India
City Location: Mangalore, Latitude: 12.9141, Longitude: 74.8560
The Port of Mangalore, located on the southwestern coast of India, serves as a maritime link for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Mangalore’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s import and export activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH27 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 2440 | NH27 |
| Jaigaon | 2440 | NH27 |
| Thimphu | 2580 | NH317, NH27 |
| Paro | 2600 | NH317, NH27 |
| Punakha | 2520 | NH317 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 2530 | NH317 |
| Gelephu | 2780 | NH31 |
14. Port of Karachi, Pakistan
City Location: Karachi, Latitude: 24.8607, Longitude: 67.0011
The Port of Karachi, situated on the southwestern coast of Pakistan, serves as a maritime link for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Karachi’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s import and export activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH227 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 2500 | NH227 |
| Jaigaon | 2500 | NH227 |
| Thimphu | 2640 | NH317, NH227 |
| Paro | 2660 | NH317, NH227 |
| Punakha | 2580 | NH317, NH227 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 2590 | NH317, NH227 |
| Gelephu | 2840 | NH227 |
15. Port of Kochi, India
City Location: Kochi, Latitude: 9.9312, Longitude: 76.2673
The Port of Kochi, located on the southwestern coast of India, serves as a maritime link for Bhutan. It handles various types of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products destined for Bhutan. Kochi’s strategic location and modern infrastructure contribute to efficient cargo handling, supporting Bhutan’s import and export activities. The port is connected to Bhutan via the NH27 and NH317 highways, providing direct road links to major cities.
| Nearest Cities in Bhutan | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Phuentsholing | 2500 | NH27 |
| Jaigaon | 2500 | NH27 |
| Thimphu | 2640 | NH317, NH27 |
| Paro | 2660 | NH317, NH27 |
| Punakha | 2580 | NH317 |
| Wangdue Phodrang | 2590 | NH317 |
| Gelephu | 2840 | NH31 |