India’s port sector is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by rapid digitalisation, sustainable initiatives, infrastructure development and enhanced productivity. With the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the government aims to modernise the sector and enhance its global competitiveness, contributing to the broader goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. In line with this vision, the centre has approved the development of Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra, a greenfield mega-port expected to significantly enhance the maritime industry. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the project. As the epicentre of trade and industrial development for Maharashtra and India, Vadhvan Port will be the country’s largest container port, offering deeper drafts and accommodating large cargo ships. It will transform the economic landscape of the entire region through railway and highway connectivity and create opportunities for new businesses and warehousing. Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), and Chairman and Managing Director, Vadhvan Port Project Limited (VPPL), spoke to Indian Infrastructure about the progress and key features of Vadhvan Port and the steps being taken to enhance cargo handling at the port and help India become a key player in the global maritime industry. Excerpts…
Key features of Vadhvan Port
State-of-the-art infrastructure and connectivity are among the most important factors to consider while developing a mega port. Vadhvan Port’s infrastructure will consist of nine container terminals (each 1,000 metres in length), four multi-purpose berths (each 250 metres in length), four liquid berths (two 200 metres each in length, one 280 metres and one 400 metres), a Ro-Ro berth (each 250 metres in length), a coastal cargo berth and a coast guard berth. Approximately, 1,448 hectares of offshore area will be reclaimed along with container and cargo storage areas, and 10.14 km of breakwater will be constructed for this project.
Mapping operational metrics
The proposed port can handle 24,000 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) because of its deep draft of 20 metres. Moreover, the cargo handling capacity of the port will be 298 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa). Further, the installation of electronic rubber-tired gantry (eRTG) cranes, connectivity to the port and automated systems will help reduce the turnaround time of the vessels, resulting in enhanced efficiency of port operations.
Project significance and strategic importance
The all-weather greenfield deep-draft major port at Vadhvan in Maharashtra will be a key component of the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC). The IMEC includes an Eastern Corridor linking India to the Gulf region, and a Northern Corridor connecting the Gulf region to Europe. IMEC will incorporate a network of railways, ship-rail transit and road transport routes. Vadhvan port will serve as the primary feeder port for IMEC, facilitating cargo movement to Chabahar Port in Iran and the International North-South Transport Corridor.
The port will be located 12 km from Vangaon Railway Station along the Mumbai-Surat Western Rail Link and will be linked to the DFCC line at New Palghar Station. The port’s location is 32.18 km from NH-48 and 22 km from Vadodara Expressway. All roads will merge with the road connecting the port to NH-48 and the Mumbai Vadodara Expressway.
“Vadhvan Port will position India as a pivotal player in the global maritime sector.”
Current progress
The groundwork for near-shore reclamation has been set in motion, with approvals and contracts moving forward as planned. Dredging, reclamation and shore protection work, and breakwater construction work are also lined up, and site preparations are in place for the next phase.
On the connectivity front, efforts to secure land for road and rail links are advancing, with acquisition processes moving toward completion. Plans for essential utilities such as water and power are also shaping up, with approvals in place and implementation progressing step by step. Work on quarry site approvals and offshore sand mining is moving forward in accordance with the required clearances, ensuring compliance with all regulations. Additionally, engagement with local fishermen continues, with studies and surveys helping to determine a fair approach to addressing their concerns.
Overall, Vadhvan Port is steadily taking shape, with each bit of progress bringing it closer to becoming a key driver of trade and development. The focus remains on moving ahead in a structured and responsible manner, keeping both progress and people at the centre of the journey.
Outlining the five-point approach to success
Digitisation
Vadhvan Port’s operations will be categorised into two levels of automation in container terminals – fully automated and semi-automated. Automation will help avoid port congestion, decrease port storage charges and reduce demurrage and detention. In view of the proposed terminal developments and activities, it would be efficient to automate yard operations with automated rubber-tired gantries (RTGs) in the future. Automatic mooring systems will also be installed to reduce ship turnaround time during manual line handling. A performance evaluation system may also be established as part of the maintenance system, to observe and evaluate port equipment.
Sustainability
Vadhvan Port is envisaged as a green port, and the usage of eRTGs and hybrid internal terminal vehicles has been proposed, among other measures, to reduce the environmental impact of the port. In addition, the port is planned as a world-class facility with efficient systems that minimise processing times and reduce fuel consumption and air pollution, thus positively impacting the environment. For the construction stage, various sustainable solutions are being planned.
Skill development
With the evolving technology, the people involved in this sector need to be upskilled vis-a-vis the latest systems for efficiency and ease of doing business. Training programmes have already been organised for the youth, as the port is likely to generate large-scale employment during its construction. Direct and indirect employment will be generated for people working on the project for the construction of civil infrastructure, and the installation of mechanical infrastructure and other utilities. A dedicated WhatsApp chatbot for the Vadhvan skilling programme has been launched to reach out to the people of Vadhvan and train them in the programme they are interested in. So far, 32,000 registrations have been received, with the number still increasing.
Formalising collaborations
Over time, multiple MoUs with various institutes have been signed, enabling the provision of 23 courses. These include MoUs with:
- DG Shipping to provide maritime training with qualifications in GP Rating and maritime catering
- Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association to provide specialised training in custom documentation
- Yashwantrao Chavhan Open University to design skill-based programmes to align with the port’s operational needs while creating employment
- Dr Balasaheb Kokan Krishi Vidyapeeth Dapoli for the development and implementation of an integrated agricultural and horticultural plan for villages in Dahanu
- Gateway Terminals India Private Limited/APM Terminals, Mumbai, for developing a skill development programme for the youth of Vadhvan
- Dye Makers Association to design advanced technology skills through training in automation, AI, AutoCAD and CNC machines
- In the past, VPPL has collaborated with various training partners and successfully conducted multiple skilling programmes for open sea cage training, heavy vehicle driving, computer software and hardware, fish processing and value addition, and custom clearance.
Social responsibility
The Fishermen’s Compensation Policy is being designed to support the fishermen community, aligning with the guidelines of the Government of Maharashtra. Approximately Rs 4 billion has been allocated for the construction of one fishing harbour. This policy demonstrates commitment to the welfare of the community alongside infrastructure development. Social security measures for local dye makers include education programmes, improved healthcare facilities, and comprehensive insurance plans – accidental, term and health coverage, with premiums fully borne by JNPA under a triple insurance benefits scheme.
To support dye makers, JNPA, in collaboration with the Union Bank of India, has proposed a cluster-specific scheme with a concessional rate of interest and an attractive interest subvention scheme to provide low-cost funding, enabling artisans to invest in better machinery and scale up their businesses. Furthermore, infrastructure development will be prioritised, with enhanced road connectivity and consistent electricity supply to ensure uninterrupted operations. Additionally, initiatives will focus on technology upgradation through training programmes on automation, AI and advanced tools such as AutoCAD, ArtCam and CNC machines, to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Efforts will also be made to improve market access by creating platforms for branding and direct market connections, reducing dependency on middlemen and unlocking global opportunities. Moreover, the provision of a fully-equipped ambulance underscores JNPA’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of local artisans and the community at large.
Overall, the Vadhvan Port project represents a significant leap forward for India’s maritime industry, integrating cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices and extensive infrastructure to enhance cargo handling capacity and reduce transportation costs. This project will not only enhance economies of scale and create employment opportunities but also position India as a pivotal player in the global maritime sector.