The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), one of India’s premier container handling ports, completed 37 years of operations in 2026. Over the years, it has evolved from a bulk cargo facility into a major container gateway, playing a significant role in facilitating containerised trade and strengthening the country’s logistics infrastructure. At its foundation day event in May 2026, Gaurav Dayal, Chairman, JNPA, talked about the port’s transformation into a major container hub and its role in supporting India’s maritime and logistics growth. He also spoke about the port’s focus on sustainable and future-ready development, digitalisation, maritime safety, energy efficiency and green infrastructure, as well as the upcoming Vadhvan deepwater greenfield port project. Edited excerpts from his address…
Current capacity and infrastructure
At present, JNPA operates five container terminals – Nhava Sheva Free Port Terminal, Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal, Gateway Terminals India Private Limited, Nhava Sheva International Gateway Terminal, and Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals Private Limited.
The port also has a coastal berth to facilitate coastal cargo, a shallow water berth for general cargo and a liquid cargo terminal that is managed by the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited-Indian Oil Corporation Limited consortium. An additional liquid cargo terminal has been developed by JNPA and is being operated by JSW JNPT Liquid Terminal Private Limited. A newly constructed coastal berth provides connectivity with other Indian ports and supports the movement of coastal cargo.
Spread across 277 hectares, JNPA also operates a multi-product special economic zone equipped with infrastructure aimed at supporting export-oriented industries.
Further, the port is developing a mega deep-draught greenfield port, Vadhvan port, in Maharashtra, which is planned as the country’s 13th major port and is set to become India’s largest deepwater and container port. It has been envisaged as a 100 per cent green port from its inception.
“The next phase of JNPA’s development is centred on responsible growth, with sustainability, technological advancement and operational efficiency forming the key areas of focus.”
From a container port to a wider maritime gateway
Over the past three and a half decades, JNPA has transformed from a port into a major container gateway, contributing to trade, logistics and economic activity. The port’s development has been supported by infrastructure expansion, operational efficiency and the adoption of new technologies.
The port’s evolution has included several firsts in the Indian infrastructure and port sectors. JNPA introduced the public-private partnership model in the port sector and subsequently developed its role as an owner, planner and facilitator under the landlord port model. Strategic dredging enabled the port to accommodate a new generation of larger vessels, while the development of integrated infrastructure has focused on improving cargo movement and efficiency.
The port has also developed an integrated centralised parking plaza and a government port-led special economic zone. Technology-enabled systems have been introduced to provide greater control and certainty to trade and port operations. These initiatives form part of JNPA’s broader effort to develop infrastructure capable of supporting changing trade requirements.
Sustainability has emerged as another important component of this development. JNPA has already crossed the 60 per cent green energy target.
Focus on sustainable and future-ready infrastructure
The next phase of JNPA’s development is centred on responsible growth, with sustainability, technological advancement and operational efficiency forming the key areas of focus. The development of the Vadhvan deepwater port represents a major infrastructure initiative in this regard. The project is intended to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities and provide additional capacity while following a green port development approach. JNPA also emphasises the importance of aligning infrastructure growth with environmental stewardship and inclusive development.
To advance these objectives, JNPA entered into MoUs with several institutions and organisations during the foundation day celebrations. The agreements cover areas such as maritime research, technological innovation, environmental planning, electric mobility, energy efficiency, renewable energy and shore power facilities.
An MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras is aimed at developing maritime research and advanced technological solutions for the port and maritime sector. The areas of collaboration include modelling and simulation, dredging, navigation and monitoring systems, digital twins, just-in-time systems, and related indigenous technologies for JNPA and allied maritime facilities.
JNPA has also signed an MoU with the Jawaharlal Nehru Customs House for the efficient disposal of perishable cargo in compliance with statutory and environmental requirements. The collaboration provides for safe, scientific, environmentally compliant and time-bound destruction of perishable cargo through biodegradation, composting and biogas processes.
Another agreement with the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute is focused on sustainable and environmentally compliant port development. The areas of institutional engagement include environmental planning and assessment, pollution control, climate resilience, and environmental social and governance initiatives.
Green mobility and energy efficiency
The port’s sustainability programme also extends to electric mobility and energy efficiency. JNPA has entered into an agreement with Convergence Energy Services Limited for the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and battery swapping stations within its premises. The initiative is aimed at promoting electric mobility, sustainable logistics and green infrastructure.
Another agreement with Energy Efficiency Services Limited provides for the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at JNPA-managed facilities. The scope includes solar power projects, LED lighting systems and associated infrastructure across port buildings and colonies through the project management consultancy mode.
JNPA has also partnered with REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited for project management consultancy services for the extension of shore power facilities at its terminals. The collaboration is intended to support the expansion of shore power supply systems.
These initiatives form part of JNPA’s broader efforts to integrate renewable energy, energy efficiency and cleaner logistics into port operations.
Vadhvan port to strengthen future capacity
The development of Vadhvan port represents a key component of JNPA’s future infrastructure strategy. Conceived as an all-weather deep-draught greenfield port, Vadhvan is being developed as a major addition to India’s maritime infrastructure in Maharashtra.
The project is expected to expand the country’s port infrastructure and strengthen its ability to handle the growing maritime trade. Its positioning as a greenfield port with a 100 per cent green approach right from inception also reflects the increasing importance being accorded to sustainability in the development of new maritime assets.
JNPA’s development strategy, therefore, combines the expansion of physical capacity with improvements in technology, environmental performance and operational systems. The approach is intended to make the port more resilient, efficient and future-ready.
Looking ahead
JNPA’s 37-year journey reflects the transformation of India’s port infrastructure and the growing importance of containerised trade. From its beginnings as a bulk cargo port, the authority has developed a diversified infrastructure ecosystem comprising container terminals, liquid cargo facilities, a coastal berth and a port-led special economic zone. The next phase is centred on strengthening this ecosystem through Vadhvan port, green energy initiatives, digital systems, indigenous maritime technology and institutional partnerships.
As JNPA moves forward, its stated objective is to build on its position as a major container port while establishing benchmarks in sustainability, innovation and efficiency. The foundation day celebrations underscored this transition, with infrastructure development being pursued alongside environmental responsibility, technological advancement and collaboration with stakeholders.
“The development of Vadhvan port represents a key component of JNPA’s future infrastructure strategy. The project is expected to expand the country’s port infrastructure and strengthen its ability to handle the growing maritime trade.”
