India designates four ports as 'mega' under new classification framework

The central government has officially classified Deendayal Port (Kandla), Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva), Paradip Port, and Mundra Port as mega ports following a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The notification was issued under sub-section (1) of section 73 of the Indian Ports Act, 2025, establishing criteria for mega port classification. Notably, Mundra Port becomes the first non-major port to receive this designation, while the other three are existing major ports.

The mega port classification represents a new tiering system within India's port infrastructure hierarchy. India currently operates 12 major ports and over 200 non-major ports across its coastline. The major ports, which handle significant volumes of cargo and serve critical national commerce functions, include Deendayal (Kandla), Mumbai, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Ennore (Kamarajar), Tuticorin (V O Chidambaranar), Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Kolkata (including Haldia), and Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

The four designated mega ports satisfy the newly prescribed criteria, which evaluate port capabilities and performance metrics to determine elite status within the national port system. The move underscores the government's focus on strengthening India's maritime infrastructure and streamlining port operations through enhanced categorization frameworks.