NEW DELHI : The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, informed in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha that, Government of India is accelerating the modernisation of Maharashtra’s port infrastructure with the development of the Vadhavan Port, a landmark greenfield deep-draft major port project that is set to redefine the country’s maritime and logistics capabilities while strengthening India’s position in global trade.
Recognising the rapid growth in cargo and container traffic, particularly along India’s western coastline, the Government has identified the need for a world-class deep-draft port capable of accommodating next-generation ultra-large container vessels. Accordingly, Vadhavan Port, located in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, is being developed as an all-weather deep-draft major port.
The project received Union Cabinet approval on 19 June 2024 at an estimated investment of ₹76,220 crore. Once operational, Vadhavan Port will have a projected cargo handling capacity of 298 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), making it one of India’s largest ports and a key gateway for international trade.
Major Infrastructure Works Underway
A series of critical infrastructure and connectivity projects are being implemented to support the development of Vadhavan Port. These include:
Nearshore reclamation and shore protection works – ₹1,648 crore
Construction of a 10.14-km breakwater – ₹5,301.26 crore
Offshore reclamation under PPP-HAM model – ₹20,647 crore
Dedicated 32.74-km road connectivity by NHAI – ₹2,528.76 crore
Dedicated 22.22-km rail connectivity by Western Railway – ₹1,765 crore
Water supply infrastructure – ₹328 crore
Power supply infrastructure – ₹320 crore
These investments are aimed at creating seamless multimodal connectivity, improving cargo evacuation, and ensuring efficient port operations from the outset.
Modernisation of Existing Ports
Alongside the development of Vadhavan Port, the Government is also undertaking several modernisation and connectivity projects across Maharashtra’s existing port infrastructure.
Key initiatives include:
Construction of the Third Chemical Berth at Pir Pau (₹161 crore)
Development of a new Fish Jetty at Mallet Bunder Fishing Harbour (₹96.60 crore)
Modernisation, development, operation and maintenance of the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) at Indira Dock (₹363.85 crore)
Installation of SCADA and PLC automation systems at the Marine Oil Terminal (₹22.77 crore)
Construction of approach roads to Kharwadeshwari Jetty in Palghar district (₹15 crore) and Narangi Jetty (₹29.41 crore)
Augmentation of firefighting facilities at Pir Pau Terminal (₹52.69 crore)
These projects are enhancing operational efficiency, safety standards, passenger facilities, and cargo-handling capabilities while improving last-mile connectivity to port infrastructure.
Capacity Expansion Strengthening Maritime Growth
The Government’s sustained investment in modernisation, mechanisation, capacity augmentation, and multimodal connectivity has significantly enhanced the cargo-handling capabilities of Maharashtra’s ports.
As a result:
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has expanded its cargo handling capacity to 175.87 MMTPA.
Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) has increased its capacity to 88.66 MMTPA.
Maharashtra’s non-major ports have collectively achieved a cargo handling capacity of 130.75 MMTPA, supported through investments by the State Government and private port operators.
Boost to India’s Maritime Economy
The integrated development of Vadhavan Port and the modernisation of Maharashtra’s existing ports are expected to deliver far-reaching economic and strategic benefits. The initiatives will strengthen India’s EXIM trade, improve logistics efficiency through enhanced road and rail connectivity, promote coastal shipping, reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs, encourage the growth of port-led industrial clusters and logistics parks, and generate substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities.
With Vadhavan Port emerging as a future global maritime gateway and complementary infrastructure projects progressing across the state, Maharashtra is poised to play an even greater role in supporting India’s vision of becoming a leading global maritime and logistics hub.
