Vadhavan, Maharashtra – The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the development of a major new port at Vadhavan near Dahanu in Maharashtra.
The project will be executed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a joint venture between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), with a shareholding of 74% and 26%, respectively.
Project Overview
The Vadhavan Port will be a Greenfield deep-draft major port, capable of operating in all weather conditions. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs. 76,220 crore, which includes land acquisition and the development of core infrastructure.
The port will feature nine container terminals, four multipurpose berths, four liquid cargo berths, a Ro-Ro berth, and a Coast Guard berth.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
The project includes the reclamation of 1,448 hectares of sea area and the construction of a 10.14 km offshore breakwater. There will also be extensive road and rail connectivity improvements.
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways will establish road links between the port and national highways, while the Ministry of Railways will connect the port to the existing rail network and the upcoming Dedicated Rail Freight Corridor.
Economic and Trade Impact
Upon completion, Vadhavan Port will have a capacity of 298 million metric tons per annum, including 23.2 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) for container handling.
The port’s advanced facilities will support the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the International North South Transportation Corridor (INSTC), enhancing India’s EXIM trade flow.
Employment and Economic Growth
The Vadhavan Port project is expected to generate significant economic activity, with potential direct and indirect employment opportunities for around 12 lakh individuals.
This aligns with the objectives of the PM Gati Shakti program, aimed at boosting the local economy and creating a modern, efficient maritime infrastructure.
Global Significance
With state-of-the-art terminals capable of handling mainline mega vessels, Vadhavan Port is set to become one of the top ten ports globally.
The port will leverage modern technologies and public-private partnerships to create a world-class maritime terminal, linking India with international shipping routes across the Far East, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
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