Paradip Becomes East Coast’s First Mega Port Under Indian Ports Act, 2025

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 26 (UDN): Paradip Port in Odisha has been officially granted the status of a ‘Mega Port’ by the Union Government under the provisions of the Indian Ports Act, 2025, marking a significant milestone for India’s maritime sector.

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The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued the notification on Friday after the port fulfilled the structural and operational benchmarks laid down under Section 73 of the Act.

With this recognition, Paradip has become the only port on India’s eastern coast to receive the Mega Port designation. It joins three other ports across the country—Deendayal Port (Kandla) and Mundra Port in Gujarat, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva) in Maharashtra.

Located in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district, Paradip Port plays a pivotal role in handling cargo for eastern and central India. The port manages substantial volumes of coal, iron ore, fertilizers and crude oil, making it one of the country’s most important maritime trade gateways.

The new designation is expected to accelerate infrastructure expansion, improve operational efficiency and strengthen maritime connectivity. It is also likely to enhance the port’s capacity to handle growing cargo volumes while supporting industrial and trade activities across the region.

The recognition reinforces Paradip Port’s strategic importance in India’s port-led development initiative and positions it for greater investment and modernization in the years ahead.