The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has designated four ports as India’s inaugural “mega ports” under the Indian Ports Act, 2025. The ports included in this classification are Mundra, Deendayal (Kandla), Jawaharlal Nehru (Nhava Sheva), and Paradip. The new classification, effective immediately, emphasizes performance over ownership, focusing on high annual cargo volumes as the primary criterion.
Mundra Port, operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, is the only private port in this category. The other three are government-run facilities that have historically supported India’s maritime trade. This designation reflects a shift in government infrastructure investment and policy focus towards the most active maritime hubs in the country.
The mega port status is valid for five years, contingent on maintaining high throughput levels and subject to periodic reviews. Notably, Paradip Port stands out as the sole mega port on India’s east coast, marking significant progress in its role as a major maritime gateway, particularly highlighted by its operational achievements and capabilities.
Industry observers are keen to see how this new classification will impact regulation, infrastructure planning, and investment decisions in India’s port sector moving forward.
