THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW
DELHI, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
The Centre on Friday
accorded ‘Mega Port’ status to Paradip Port, along with Deendayal (Kandla),
Jawaharlal Nehru (Nhava Sheva) and Mundra Port, under the Indian Ports Act,
2025.
The Ministry of
Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in a notification dated September 25, 2026 said
the four ports meet the criteria prescribed by the central government for
classification as a mega port.
The notification,
issued under Section 73 of the Indian Ports Act, 2025, formally designates
Deendayal Port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Paradip Port and Mundra Port as mega
ports.
With the latest
notification, Paradip Port becomes the only port on India's east coast to
receive the Mega Port designation, marking a significant milestone for Odisha's
maritime infrastructure and the country's eastern maritime gateway.
The government had
earlier notified the criteria for classification of a port as a mega port under
sub-section (1) of Section 73 of the Indian Ports Act, 2025.
The notification said
the four ports satisfy the prescribed criteria and, accordingly, the Centre has
exercised its powers under sub-sections (2) and (3) of Section 73 to accord
them mega port status.
The designation comes
into force from the date of its publication in the Gazette of India
(Extraordinary).
Paradip Port, located on Odisha's eastern coast, is a key maritime gateway for the movement of bulk commodities and plays an important role in India's trade and logistics network.
The new classification is expected to further underscore the strategic importance of Paradip in the country's port-led development and eastern maritime connectivity.
