Previous Year Question
Which of the following ports of India is an open sea port?
Haldia
Mumbai
Chennai
Visakhapatnam
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Chennai.
Chennai Port is situated on India's eastern coast on the Bay of Bengal and is an Artificial Harbour. Since it does not possess a naturally sheltered bay, the harbour was developed with artificial structures and breakwaters. This characteristic places it under the traditional geographical classification of an open sea port used in this question.
The Government of India's 2012-13 Major Ports topography data also classified Chennai as an “Artificial Harbour with Wet Docks” and recorded its location at approximately 13°06′ N, 80°18′ E.
Option elimination is useful here. Mumbai is a Natural Harbour, whereas Haldia is a Riverine port on the Hooghly river system. Visakhapatnam has a natural Inner Harbour, while its Outer Harbour was artificially developed.