THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

In a major boost to India’s maritime infrastructure and eastern trade corridor, the Government of India has officially designated Paradip Port as a “Mega Port” under the Indian Ports Act, 2025, making it the only Mega Port on India’s eastern coast.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued the notification on September 25 following an assessment of ports against the structural and operational criteria prescribed under Section 73(1) of the Indian Ports Act, 2025.

Four ports have been designated as “Mega Ports” under the new framework: Deendayal Port (Kandla), Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva), Paradip Port and Mundra Port. While the first three are major ports, Mundra has been classified as a port other than a major port.

The designation has been notified by the Central Government under Sections 73(2) and 73(3) of the Indian Ports Act, 2025. The notification, issued by Praveen P. Nair, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, takes immediate effect from its publication in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) on September 25, 2026, vide Notification No. S.O. 5303(E).

The Mega Port status marks a significant milestone in Paradip Port’s growth trajectory and underscores its increasing importance to India’s maritime trade and logistics network.

Strategically located on Odisha’s eastern coastline, Paradip Port has emerged as a key gateway for coastal and international trade. The new designation is expected to provide further impetus to port infrastructure, cargo-handling capacity, operational efficiency and maritime connectivity.

For the eastern region, the recognition assumes particular significance as Paradip strengthens its position as a major node in India’s evolving maritime and logistics ecosystem.

Paradip Port Authority Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit welcomed the Central Government’s decision and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, and Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur for their continued policy guidance and support for India’s maritime sector.

Purohit described the Mega Port designation as a significant milestone in Paradip Port’s development journey, saying it would further strengthen the port’s role as a key maritime gateway and support infrastructure expansion, operational efficiency and the growth of maritime trade.

With its strategic location, modern infrastructure and expanding cargo-handling capabilities, Paradip Port has continued to play an important role in facilitating both coastal and international commerce.

The new status further reinforces its place within India’s maritime infrastructure and is expected to accelerate efforts to develop Paradip into a modern, efficient and globally competitive maritime gateway.

The Paradip Port Authority said it appreciated the continued policy support and guidance extended by the Government of India and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the country’s maritime growth and the development of a stronger and more efficient port sector.