VPPL and Maharashtra Govt Fast-Track Skill Development Roadmap for Vadhvan Port
MUMBAI : Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. (VPPL) – the 13th major port of India, convened a high-level review meeting to accelerate the implementation of the Vadhvan Port Skill Development Programme. The meeting reviewed the progress achieved so far and deliberated on key interventions to ensure that local youth are equipped with industry-relevant skills well ahead of project execution.
The meeting was attended by Smt. Manisha Verma, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department, Government of Maharashtra; Shri Gaurav Dayal, IAS, Chairman and Managing Director, Vadhvan Port Project Ltd., Dr. Amit Saini, IAS, Commissioner, Skill Development and Chief Executive Officer, Maharashtra State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), Smt. Indu Rani Jakhar, IAS, Collector, Palghar; Shri Ravish Kumar Singh, IRTS, CEO, VPPL, along with senior officials from VPPL, DVET, MSSDS and other departments.
A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Manpower Study Projections Report, an extensive workforce assessment that maps projected employment opportunities, technical competencies and job roles in alignment with various phases of the Vadhvan Port project. The report provides a structured roadmap linking workforce demand with project timelines, enabling timely capacity building and targeted skill development. Smt. Manisha Verma, IAS, stated that the Government of Maharashtra remains committed to building a responsive and future-oriented skilling ecosystem that aligns with emerging industrial requirements.
Speaking during the meeting, Shri Gaurav Dayal, IAS, observed that the collaboration between VPPL, the Government of Maharashtra and industry partners will help create a sustainable talent pipeline, ensuring that local youth are equipped with the competencies required to participate in the development and long-term operations of Vadhvan Port. The meeting also reviewed the progress under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between VPPL and the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training (DVET), Government of Maharashtra.
As part of this collaboration, training has commenced for four batches across ITI Vangaon and ITI Palghar, with Certificate Courses in Fitter Fabrication, Digital Mitra, and Assistant Electrician being offered at ITI Vangaon, while a specialised Manual Metal Arc Welding course has been launched at ITI Palghar. Each batch consists of total 30 students. The Vadhvan Port Skill Development Programme has continued to make steady progress, with over 7000 students trained across 24 training programmes to date. As the project advances, VPPL and its partner institutions will continue to expand training opportunities, ensuring that a skilled and industry-ready workforce is available to support one of India’s most ambitious maritime infrastructure projects.
About VPPL :
Vadhvan Port Private Limited (VPPL) is the 13th major port of India, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). Strategically located in Palghar district, near Dahanu, Maharashtra, VPPL is poised to be among the top 10 ports globally. The foundation stone for the port was laid on August 30th, 2024, by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. Committed to sustainability, VPPL will be 100% green from inception, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The port is set to enhance trade efficiency with the capacity to handle 24 million TEUs, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to regional development. Through initiatives like the Vadhvan Port Skilling Program, VPPL focuses on empowering local communities.
