The Deendayal Port Authority has unveiled plans to construct a second satellite port near Kandla, Gujarat. This ambitious project, which is expected to involve an investment exceeding Rs 20,000 crore, aims to enhance cargo handling capabilities in alignment with the government’s ambitious Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 initiative.
Deputy Chairman articulated the urgency of expanding facilities to meet the growing demand in the region. Currently positioned approximately 15 kilometres from Kandla, the proposed site is strategically located between Adani Ports’ bulk cargo terminal at Tuna-Tekra and Kandla Creek. While the project remains in its preliminary proposal stage, the Authority is optimistic about securing the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. At present, Deendayal Port, India’s second-largest state-owned port by cargo volume, boasts a capacity of 269.10 million tonnes per year. In the fiscal year 2024, it successfully handled 132.3 million tonnes, underscoring its pivotal role in facilitating trade, particularly for the landlocked northern states of India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. With an annual growth rate of 10 per cent, projections suggest that cargo handling could double to 267 million tonnes by 2030.
This expansion not only aims to bolster economic growth but also incorporates sustainability into its framework. The integration of modern infrastructure will allow for more efficient cargo handling, thereby reducing emissions associated with transportation. Moreover, as global shipping trends move towards greener practices, the port’s investment in multipurpose berths and terminals is aligned with sustainability goals. The plan includes a tender for a multipurpose cargo berth at Tuna-Tekra, funded through private investment of Rs 1,719.22 crore, showcasing a public-private partnership approach. The ongoing construction of a terminal by DP World Ltd, which is designed to handle 2.19 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) at a cost of Rs 4,243.64 crore, further illustrates the growing importance of Tuna-Tekra in the region’s logistics framework.
Kandla’s transformation from a modest port with only two jetties in 1931 to a burgeoning mega port exemplifies India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime infrastructure. As Deendayal Port Authority takes steps to realise this vision, the dual focus on economic development and sustainability is set to redefine the dynamics of trade and environmental stewardship in the region.
