Sector: Ports
Capacity: 10 million TEUs
Investment: Rs 655 billion
Ownership: PPP
Implementing agency: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Maharashtra Maritime Board
Mode of implementation: PPP
Start date: Yet to be decided
Expected completion: December 31, 2022
The ever-increasing size of container ships has made it imperative to develop a deep draught container handling port on the west coast. In February 2020, the cabinet gave in-principle approval for setting up the 13th major port, at Vadhavan, near Dahanu. To be developed as an all-weather port on the landlord model, the port has a natural draught of 20 metres close to the shore, enabling it to handle bigger vessels with a capacity of 16,000-25,000 TEUs. This, in turn, will provide economies of scale benefits and reduce logistics cost. It would also enable India to feature among countries with the top 10 container ports in the world. An SPV will be incorporated for implementing the new port project, with JNPT as the lead partner with equity participation equal to or more than 50 per cent. The SPV will be responsible for the development of port infrastructure including reclamation, construction of breakwater, and connectivity to the hinterland.