Jawaharlal Nehru Port to Enhance Handling Capacity to Over 10 Million TEUs by April

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Thursday that the container handling capacity at Jawaharlal Nehru Port is being increased to 10 million TEUs. After reviewing various infrastructure projects at the port, he also mentioned that the upcoming Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra's Palghar district would create 10 lakh jobs.

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A senior official from JNPA stated that the current container handling capacity of 7.4 million TEUs will rise to 10.4 million TEUs by April next year. The minister highlighted that Jawaharlal Nehru Port has become the first 100 per cent landlord port in India, aiming to accommodate larger ships.

Infrastructure and Development Projects

The Vadhvan Port, a greenfield deep draft mega port, will be constructed with an investment of Rs 76,200 crore. This all-weather port is expected to significantly boost the region's economy. Sonowal emphasised that JNPA is developing quality infrastructure and aims to become an eco-friendly port.

JNPA also signed two MoUs in the presence of the minister. One MoU was between JNPA, Vadhvan Port, and REC for loan disbursement to support various infrastructure projects. The other was between JNPA and Gateway Terminals India (GTI) for implementing shore power supply for vessels.

Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Developments

The minister issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to concessionaires for its SEZ. JNPA has allotted plots for its SEZ in seven phases. The recent e-auction of phase seven for 57 acres saw 21 bidders for six unit plots and three co-developer plots. This auction resulted in a 95.23 per cent increase in quoted value above the reserve price, boosting revenue by 63 per cent.

In FY24, JNPA's SEZ generated EXIM trade worth Rs 15,000 crore. As part of strategic engagements, JNPA declared August 22, 2024, as the date for awarding concessions for two additional liquid berths (3 and 4). These berths will increase the port's liquid cargo capacity from 6.5 MMTPA to 11 MMTPA upon completion.

Public-Private Partnership Model

The two additional liquid berths will be developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. A Letter of Intent was awarded to JSW Infrastructure Limited on February 19, 2024, and the Concession Agreement was signed on April 8.

The minister also launched a WhatsApp chatbot for the Vadhvan skilling programme developed by INPAT. This tool aims to empower the local community by providing access to skilling programs and information about Vadhvan Port.

Sonowal noted that under the Sagarmala Project, the government has completed 230 projects so far, with another 220 projects at various stages of implementation. He added, "So this is how we are progressing."

Later, Sonowal held a review meeting with Palghar District officials regarding Vadhvan Port. The foundation stone for this port will be laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 30, according to a JNPA official.