The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the green light to the development of the Vadhavan Port project in Maharashtra, with an estimated investment of Rs 76,200 crore. This ambitious endeavour is set to transform Vadhavan, situated in Palghar District, into a major global maritime hub.
The project, spearheaded by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a special purpose vehicle jointly owned by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) with a 74% stake and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) holding the remaining 26%, aims to establish a state-of-the-art Greenfield deep draft port. It is slated to feature nine container terminals spanning 1000 meters each, four multipurpose berths including a Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) berth, liquid cargo berths, and a dedicated Coast Guard berth.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister overseeing the announcement, emphasized that the port’s strategic location will enhance trade connectivity through vital corridors such as the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor and the International North South Transportation Corridor. Once operational, it is projected to rank among the top 10 ports globally, significantly boosting India’s maritime trade capabilities.
Highlighting the scale of the project, Vaishnaw noted that Vadhavan Port will boast a handling capacity of 23 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) and accommodate up to 298 million tonnes of cargo annually. The development is expected to generate employment opportunities for approximately 1.2 million individuals, thereby contributing to regional economic growth and prosperity.
The comprehensive investment of Rs 76,220 crore encompasses not only the core infrastructure development but also provisions for terminals and other commercial facilities under public-private partnerships (PPP). Additionally, the project includes crucial ancillary developments such as road connectivity to National Highways facilitated by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, as well as railway linkages to existing networks and the upcoming Dedicated Rail Freight Corridor overseen by the Ministry of Railways.
With the Cabinet’s approval, preparations are set to accelerate, marking a pivotal milestone in India’s infrastructural landscape. The Vadhavan Port project is poised to redefine maritime logistics in Western India, catering to burgeoning trade demands and reinforcing India’s position as a key player in global commerce. As implementation progresses, stakeholders anticipate significant socio-economic benefits and enhanced connectivity across domestic and international trade routes.
