Ports Minister optimistic about job surge with planned Vadhvan Port

MUMBAI : Union Ports Minister Shri Sarbanand Sonowal expressed a strong belief that the proposed Vadhavan Port near Dahanu will fuel substantial industrial growth in the region, creating job opportunities for thousands of young individuals. He said this while speaking at the Ports Conclave organised by Loksatta recently.

Sonowal emphasised the significance of water resources, noting that the central government was actively pursuing initiatives to reduce communication costs and drive industrial development through passenger shipping, cargo, and port-centric development strategies in both the country and Maharashtra.

With 16 operational ports, including two major ones, the state offers substantial opportunities for port-centric industrialisation, he said.

Sonowal highlighted the substantial capacity of the Vadhvan port, foreseeing the transportation of cargo by large ships with a capacity of 24,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) once it is developed. The available infrastructure through the Delhi-Mumbai multi-purpose corridor, roads, and metro projects will play a significant role, he said.

With Maharashtra contributing towards 15 per cent of the country’s industrial output and 16 per cent to exports, Sonowal outlined the central government’s plan for ports and waterways development.

The country currently boasts 217 ports, including 12 major ones, handling millions of tons of cargo annually.

Progress in Sagarmala projects have been significant, with industrial areas developing around major ports, creating direct and indirect employment opportunities. Sonowal highlighted the establishment of a Special Economic Zone by JNPA in June 2021, covering about 277 acres and equipped with modern import and export facilities.