Mumbai, Bangalore – November 16, 2023: JSW Infrastructure, India’s second-largest commercial port company and a key player in the US$ 23 billion JSW Group, has secured the winning bid for the development of a state-of-the-art, all-weather, deep-water greenfield port at Keni in Karnataka. The project, awarded by the Karnataka Maritime Board, Government of Karnataka, is set to be executed on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis.
Letter of Award (LOA) Issued to JSW Infrastructure for Keni Port
The Karnataka Maritime Board officially issued the Letter of Award (LOA) to JSW Infrastructure. The estimated cost of the project, as outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP) document, stands at Rs. 4,119 Crore, with an initial capacity of 30 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA).
JSW Infrastructure’s Vision for Keni Port
Mr. Arun Maheshwari, Joint MD and CEO of JSW Infrastructure, highlighted the significance of the project in line with Karnataka’s industrial growth objectives. He emphasized the company’s commitment to developing Keni Port as an integral part of the state’s maritime infrastructure and trade gateway. Once the concession agreement is finalized, JSW Infrastructure will commence work to address the logistics demand of the rapidly growing state and regional economy.
Key Features of Keni Port
The proposed Keni Port is envisioned as an environmentally friendly, mechanized facility capable of handling cape-size vessels. Positioned as an all-weather, greenfield, multi-cargo port with direct berthing, it aims to cater to various industries in the North Karnataka region, covering Bellary, Hosapete, Hubballi, Kalaburagi, and South Maharashtra. The initial capacity of the port will be 30 MTPA, with potential for substantial expansion in the long run.
Strategic Location and Connectivity
Strategically situated between Mormugao Port in the north and New Mangalore Port in the south, Keni Port’s hinterland primarily deals with coal and coke cargo, serving industries such as steel, cement, and power plants. The proposed port is supported by rail connectivity on the southern side, linking to the existing Konkan line north of the Ankola Station. Additionally, a proposed railway alignment of approximately 8 km will complement the port’s road and railway connectivity.
Addressing Future Cargo Handling Demands
As per the Karnataka Maritime Perspective Plan, the state currently has a hinterland potential of 44 MTPA of cargo, projected to increase to 117 MTPA by 2035. Recognizing the need for a deep draft port to meet future cargo handling demands, the concept of an alternate port for NMPA has emerged, aiming at the development of the Keni Port.
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