The 12 major ports' cargo traffic rose from 389.5 million metric tonnes (mt) in 2003-04 to 574.77 million mt in 2008-09.
A three-fold increase to 1,595.07 million mt is forecast by 2025-26.
The 12 major ports, six each on the West and the East coast, handled 72% of total port traffic.
Another 66 non-major ports handled 28% of port traffic.
Meanwhile, India's National Maritime Development Programme (NMDP) has identified 276 projects for developments under an investment amount of 558.04 billion rupees ($12 billion).
Of 276 projects, 48 have already been completed and 70 are at various stages of implementation.
The programme will conclude in March 2012.