The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued a notification under sub-section (1) of Section 73 of the Indian Ports Act, 2025, in consultation with State Governments, specifying the criteria for classification of a port as a Mega Port. The notification applies to all ports under the Indian Ports Act, 2025, whether classified as major ports or as ports other than major ports, including both existing ports and new ports notified under sub-section (1) of Section 11 of the Act.

Criteria for Mega Port Classification: A port is eligible for consideration as a Mega Port if it satisfies any one of the following criteria in the preceding financial year:

(a) Any major port or port other than a major port that has recorded the following cargo throughput levels: (i) 150 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of cargo throughput in the case of a bulk port; or (ii) 7.5 Million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (MTEUs) in the case of a container port.

(b) In case a port handles both containerized and bulk cargo, the containerized cargo volume shall be converted to and reported in MMT terms as per the standard conversion methodology adopted by the respective port.

“Cargo throughput” is defined as the aggregate quantity of cargo handled at a port during a specified financial year, expressed in metric tonnes, inclusive of all EXIM and coastal cargo (bulk, break-bulk, liquid, dry, or containerized), computed to eliminate, to the extent practicable, double counting of transhipped cargo, consistent with internationally accepted statistical standards and port reporting practices.

Declaration and Classification Period: A port satisfying any one criterion may be declared a Mega Port within ninety days from the date on which such criteria are satisfied. Once notified as a Mega Port, the classification remains valid for five years, irrespective of whether cargo throughput falls below the threshold during that period. A review of status shall be conducted only after completion of the five-year period.

The classification of a port as a Mega Port under this notification is without prejudice to its existing status as a major port or port other than a major port under any law in force, in accordance with Section 73(4) of the Act.

Applicability: The notification applies to all ports under the Indian Ports Act, 2025. The Central Government may review the operation of this notification as and when required.