Government Designates JNPA, Deendayal, Paradip and Mundra as ‘Mega Ports’

Paradip:

Port Wings News Network:

The Union Government on 25 September 2026 designated Paradip Port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva), Deendayal Port (Kandla) and Mundra Port as Mega Ports under the Indian Ports Act, 2025.

With the announcement, Paradip Port becomes the only Mega Port on India’s eastern coast.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued the notification on 25 September, 2026, after Paradip Port met the structural and operational criteria prescribed under Section 73 of the Indian Ports Act, 2025.

According to a news report in leading daily The Economic Times, the notification, issued by Praveen P Nair, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, came into effect from the date of its publication in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary).

The designation marks an important milestone in the growth of Paradip Port as a key maritime gateway on India’s eastern coast.

The recognition is expected to further strengthen port infrastructure, operational capabilities and maritime connectivity.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson, Paradip Port Authority, 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 support towards strengthening India’s maritime sector.

Purohit said the Mega Port status is a significant milestone in Paradip Port’s development journey and will further enhance its role in supporting infrastructure growth, operational efficiency and maritime trade.

With its strategic location, modern infrastructure and growing cargo-handling capabilities, Paradip Port continues to play an important role in facilitating coastal and international trade.

The Mega Port designation further reinforces its significance within India’s maritime infrastructure and is expected to provide additional impetus to its development as a modern, efficient and globally competitive maritime gateway.

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