The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has announced an ambitious infrastructure vision exceeding ₹57,000 crore, aiming to reposition Kandla as a global maritime and shipbuilding powerhouse.
This monumental plan is set to significantly enhance the port’s operational capacity, positioning it as a strategic node in India’s maritime trade and green energy initiatives. Celebrating a record cargo throughput of 150.16 million metric tonnes (MMT) for the fiscal year 2024–25—the highest in its history—the DPA has set an even more ambitious target of 170 MMT for the coming year. This surge in cargo movement underscores the port’s critical role in India’s logistics and trade network, serving as a linchpin for economic activities across regions. At the heart of this transformative project is a ₹30,000 crore mega shipbuilding complex, envisioned to span over 6,000 acres. This state-of-the-art facility will host a variety of maritime infrastructure, including a marina, fishing harbour, integrated townships, and a marine industrial cluster. The complex is designed to manufacture 32 new ships and repair 50 old vessels annually, with plans to construct Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and establish one of Asia’s largest shipbuilding ecosystems.
The restructuring of port operations is a key component of the expansion. It includes the construction of a new port outside the Kandla Creek, modernisation of cargo evacuation systems, and the conversion of existing dry cargo jetties into liquid jetties. These upgrades are expected to dramatically reduce vessel waiting times, enhance turnaround efficiency, and improve the overall fluidity of port operations. Moreover, the DPA is set to add three new oil jetties, a Single Buoy Mooring, and two product jetties at Vadinar, collectively augmenting the port’s liquid cargo handling capacity by 35 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). This will not only bolster the port’s capacity but also position it as a critical hub for the transportation of liquid fuels and petrochemicals. In alignment with India’s broader sustainability goals, particularly under the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision, the DPA is actively integrating green technologies. A notable initiative includes the introduction of a 1-MW electrolyser at Kandla, the first of its kind in India, manufactured by a leading industry player. This facility will soon be scaled up to 10 MW, contributing to India’s ambitious Green Hydrogen Mission and reinforcing Kandla’s role in the global shift towards renewable energy.
The port authority is also implementing efficiency-enhancing measures like the ‘Berthing on Arrival’ scheme, aimed at eliminating vessel delays and optimising port logistics. This initiative is expected to streamline operations, reduce turnaround times, and enhance the overall competitiveness of Indian maritime trade. The extensive development plans not only signify a leap in infrastructural capabilities but also reflect a strategic move to position Kandla as a sustainable, future-ready maritime hub. The integration of green energy solutions, coupled with advanced shipbuilding capabilities, underscores the port’s commitment to fostering economic growth while advancing environmental stewardship.
As India continues to emerge as a key player in global maritime trade, the transformation of Kandla into a global maritime and shipbuilding hub is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian ports and the country’s economic landscape.
Kandla Port Unveils Rs 57000 Crore Global Maritime Vision
