Image Credits: Paradip Port Authority Paradip Port in India has been declared as a “Mega Port” in accordance with the Indian Ports Act, 2025. It is the only port along the eastern coast of India to be awarded such status. This declaration was made in the form of a notification by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on 25th September 2026 after meeting all the conditions specified in Section 73 of the Act. The declaration of this status became effective on the date of the issuance of the notification in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary). Apart from Paradip Port, three other ports are declared to be Mega Ports: Deendayal Port at Kandla, Jawaharlal Nehru Port at Nhava Sheva and Mundra Port. Mundra port has been categorised as a port other than a major port. The notification was issued by Praveen P Nair, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. This declaration will be a milestone in the development of Paradip Port which is located along the eastern coast of India. The classification will also contribute to the improvement of its infrastructure, operations and maritime connectivity. Susanta Kumar Purohit, Chairperson of Paradip Port Authority, thanked 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 the efforts made to develop India’s maritime industry. According to Purohit, the Mega Port classification is a landmark event for Paradip Port and will be able to contribute to its development. The port is equipped with advanced facilities and has expanding capacities for cargo handling. In addition, its geographical position makes Paradip Port an essential gateway for both coastal and international trade. The Mega Port classification will facilitate further development of the port as a modern and efficient facility. About Paradip Port Paradip Port is one of the major ports of India and the only main port in