India has notified its first four mega ports, introducing a new classification for major port infrastructure. The Centre has named Deendayal Port in Kandla, Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Nhava Sheva, Paradip Port and Adani Group’s Mundra Port under the new category.
The notification marks the first time the country has introduced the mega port classification. Mundra is the only privately owned port among the four, while the other three are major ports under the Central Government.
The mega port status will remain valid for five years. Under the criteria, a bulk port must handle at least 150 million metric tonnes of cargo annually, while a container port must handle 7.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually to qualify.
The classification is intended to recognise ports that meet the specified cargo-handling thresholds and support the development of India’s maritime infrastructure.
