MITRA pushes for Export boost via JSW Jaigarh Port with key infrastructure plans

JAIGARH : In a bid to strengthen Maharashtra’s export competitiveness, the Maharashtra Industrial and Technical Research Association (MITRA) has launched an ambitious initiative to channel exports directly through JSW Port, Jaigarh, instead of relying predominantly on Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), which is located nearly 350 km away.

Currently, exporters face higher costs, longer transit times, and logistical hurdles while moving cargo to JNPT. By developing facilities closer to production clusters, MITRA aims to reduce transit time, cut costs, and streamline supply chain efficiency for exporters across the region.

A critical step in this transformation will be the establishment of essential infrastructure, including a Plant Quarantine Centre and a Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) office at Jaigarh. These facilities are expected to simplify compliance processes, enhance agri and allied product exports, and open new opportunities for Maharashtra’s farmers and industries in global markets.

The initiative gained momentum following a high-level meeting chaired by Hon. Shri Nitesh Rane, Minister of Port and Fisheries, with the participation of Shri Parashram Patil, Advisor to MITRA, and senior port officials. The discussions focused on charting a clear roadmap to operationalize the proposed infrastructure and expand export capacity.

Officials emphasized that the move will not only benefit exporters but also empower farmers and agri-based industries by providing faster market access and reducing dependency on distant ports. The development is also seen as a step toward positioning Maharashtra as a stronger player in global trade networks.

With the roadmap under preparation and government support backing the initiative, MITRA’s plan is expected to reshape export logistics in the region and deliver long-term benefits to the state’s economy.