Vadhvan Port Project Invites Expressions of Interest for Development

The Vadhvan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a Special Purpose Vehicle established by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), has announced the invitation for Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the development and maintenance of land off the Vadhavan Coast. This initiative will involve dredging, reclamation, and the construction of an offshore protection bund under a public-private partnership model. A pre-application conference is scheduled for August 1, 2024, with the deadline for EoI submissions set for August 20, 2024. JNPA Chairman Unmesh Sharad Wagh stated that the tendering process for the port will commence upon receipt of the EoI documents. The port, designed to handle a total capacity of 24.5 million TEUs, aims to enhance logistics connectivity between Maharashtra, Gujarat, and the National Capital Region (NCR). With a navigational channel depth of 20 meters, it is expected to facilitate trade routes to the Middle East and Europe, promoting economic integration. The port will be developed using a landlord model, incorporating essential infrastructure such as breakwaters, rail and road connectivity, and utilities. Cargo and container terminals will be operated by concessionaires in accordance with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways' PPP policy. Following the EoI phase, construction is anticipated to begin, with the first phase expected to be operational by 2029. The Union Cabinet approved the Vadhvan Port project on June 19, 2024, which includes plans for road and rail connectivity to enhance access. The total project cost is estimated at Rs 76,220 Crore, featuring nine container terminals, multipurpose berths, and a dedicated Coast Guard berth, positioning Vadhvan Port as a strategic hub for container traffic.