Gujarat invites bids for DPRs of new ports at Dahej and Mahuva

GANDHINAGAR : The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to appoint a consultant for preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for two proposed ports at Dahej and Mahuva. The move is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to position Gujarat as a globally competitive hub for ports and allied industries

Gujarat’s non-major ports continue to play a dominant role in national trade, handling 488 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in FY 2024–25, accounting for around 30 per cent of India’s total port traffic. The proposed developments at Dahej and Mahuva aim to enhance cargo-handling capacity, strengthen navigational infrastructure, and improve coastal logistics efficiency.

Dahej is recognised as a key industrial and petrochemical hub, while Mahuva is strategically positioned to support agro-industrial activities and regional trade. The DPRs will lay the groundwork for developing modern, efficient, secure, and sustainable maritime infrastructure aligned with national priorities.

The selected consultant will undertake a comprehensive range of tasks, including:

Detailed site investigations and baseline assessments of marine and oceanographic conditions
Infrastructure planning, including quay walls, jetties, breakwaters, and storage yards
Financial analysis covering revenue projections, internal rate of return (IRR), and project viability
Preparation of EPC tender documents for the construction phase
The consultancy assignment is expected to be completed within 24 weeks from the date of award. The last date for submission of bids is April 27, while bid opening is scheduled for May 1.

Preliminary Studies Completed
As per GMB, a pre-feasibility study for the proposed ports has already been carried out, covering data review, site visits, field surveys, and stakeholder consultations. Preliminary traffic and demand assessments were undertaken to estimate cargo potential, vessel mix, and operational requirements.

Bathymetric and geotechnical surveys, including three boreholes, were conducted, along with the preparation of site topography maps. Engineering studies and modelling assessed marine conditions, including breakwater alignment and basin tranquillity. An initial environmental and social impact assessment examined Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) aspects, coastal processes, and fishing activity interactions.

Based on these inputs, preliminary layouts and conceptual designs for marine infrastructure, dredging, and reclamation were prepared, along with indicative capital and O&M costs and an initial financial viability analysis.

For Dahej, detailed assessments covered its strategic location within the industrial corridor and PCPIR (Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region), cargo potential across key commodities, and connectivity with road and rail networks. Preliminary master planning, infrastructure design, and phased development strategies have also been outlined, indicating the project’s long-term viability.

Source : Desh Gujarat