Mega Ports in India

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has notified four ports as “mega ports,” with the notification taking effect upon its publication in the Gazette of India.

Mega Port

Mundra Port is operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone and is classified as a non-major port.

India has 12 major ports and over 200 non-major ports.

• A port qualifies as a mega port if it meets the specified cargo-handling threshold during the previous financial year.
• Cargo-Handling Thresholds
  • Bulk Cargo Port – At least 150 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo.
  • Container Cargo Port – At least 7.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

TEU refers to a twenty-foot equivalent unit.

• Mixed Cargo Port – If a port handles both container and bulk cargo, the following applies:
  • Container volumes must be converted into tonnes.
  • The conversion method is determined by the port's established procedures.
• Cargo throughput comprises the following categories:
  • Export cargo
  • Import cargo
  • Coastal cargo
  • Bulk cargo
  • Break-bulk cargo
  • Liquid cargo
  • Dry cargo
  • Containerised cargo
• Duration – Once a port meets the criteria,
  • It may be declared a mega port within 90 days.
  • The classification remains valid for 5 years.
  • If cargo throughput falls below the threshold during this period, the status remains unchanged.
  • The status will be reviewed after 5 years.
• Status – A mega port maintains its current classification as either:
  • Major port, or
  • Non-major port
• It remains subject to the laws that apply to its current category.

Reference

The Hindu | Mega Ports in India