Government of India Grants “Mega Port” Status to Paradip Port

Paradip, September 25, 2026: In a significant development for India’s maritime sector, the Government of India has officially designated Paradip Port as a “Mega Port” under the Indian Ports Act, 2025. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued the notification on September 25, 2026, following the criteria prescribed under sub-section (1) of Section 73 of the Indian Ports Act, 2025. Following an assessment against the stipulated structural and operational criteria, four ports have been designated as “Mega Ports”, namely Deendayal Port (Kandla), Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva), Paradip Port and Mundra Port, with Mundra classified as a port other than a major port.

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

The designation of Paradip Port as a “Mega Port” marks a significant milestone in its continued growth and development as a key maritime gateway on India’s eastern coast. The recognition reinforces the strategic importance of Paradip Port in the country’s maritime infrastructure and trade network and is expected to support further strengthening of port infrastructure, operational capabilities and maritime connectivity.

Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, Paradip Port Authority, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Shri Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, for their continued guidance and support towards strengthening India’s maritime sector and facilitating the development of Paradip Port. He stated that the designation of Paradip Port as a “Mega Port” is a significant milestone in the port’s development journey and will further strengthen its role as a key maritime gateway, supporting infrastructure development, operational efficiency and the growth of 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.

Paradip Port Authority places on record its appreciation for the continued policy support and guidance of the Government of India and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and looks forward to contributing further to the nation’s maritime growth and the development of a stronger, more efficient and globally competitive port sector.