Union Minister Announces Major Expansion at Jawaharlal Nehru Port

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that Jawaharlal Nehru Port's container handling capacity is being increased to 10 million TEUs. The Vadhvan Port project in Maharashtra is set to generate 10 lakh jobs. The port is aiming to attract larger ships, and two significant MoUs were signed to enhance infrastructure.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday revealed an ambitious expansion plan for Jawaharlal Nehru Port, aiming to increase its container handling capacity to 10 million TEUs.

Following a review of various infrastructure projects, Sonowal highlighted the forthcoming Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra's Palghar district scheduled to create 10 lakh jobs and necessitating an investment of Rs 76,200 crore. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) will boost its container capacity to around 10.4 million TEUs by next April.

Sonowal emphasized the port's transformation into the first 100% landlord port in India, aspiring to attract larger vessels and enhance eco-friendly infrastructure. Two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, one for loan disbursement for infrastructure projects and another to implement shore power supply for vessels. Additionally, the port's special economic zone (SEZ) saw significant engagement, with a recent e-auction garnering a 95.23% increase in quoted value, boosting its revenue notably.

(With inputs from agencies.)