JNPT highlights importance of developing mega ports with world-class infrastructure

March 11, 2021: The three day long, ‘Maritime India Summit 2021’ concluded on March 4, Sanjay Sethi, IAS, chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), hosted the plenary session, Developing World-Class Ports and shared his thoughts on the importance of developing mega ports with world-class infrastructure whilst developing smart ports to improve ease of doing business.

The summit was held, with the objective of unveiling ample opportunities in the maritime sector. The summit also propelled India to the forefront of the global maritime industry as the summit hosted forums for interaction and collaboration with the Indian and International ports, shipping and maritime companies, investors, and other stakeholders. MIS 2021 provided a powerful platform for international collaboration and helped bring in partner countries for mutual exchange of knowledge and opportunities.

During his session, he spoke about how the maritime industry will evolve over the coming years – increasing the importance for both public and private players to develop an ecosystem and formulate policies & strategies to prepare for it. The chairman elaborated in brief on the impact of digitization of the ports and terminals – AI, IoT, 5G led transformation and evolving models for port development: PPP and landlord model.

JNPT chairman Sanjay Sethi, IAS was also one of the conveners for the 5th Plenary Session, ‘Port-led Industrialization: Building Port Cities and Maritime Clusters’. During the session, he highlighted the importance of leveraging the port ecosystem for industrialisation, port cities transition processes in metropolitan port development. Considering the significance of maritime infrastructure to India’s economy and to leverage India’s natural maritime advantages, the Government of India has crafted the vision of ‘Sagarmala’ and is pushing for ‘port-led industrialization’.

Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, deputy chairman, JNPT was part of the third session, a panel discussion on ‘Port Led Sustainable Development in Maharashtra – The Way Forward. He highlighted how the maritime industry has seen rapid growth in the last few years due to increased planned outlay of the government, improved infrastructure facilities, greater access to global markets, and initiatives like port-led industrialization under Sagarmala. He also highlighted, how JNPT-SEZ is expected to generate Rs 4,000 crore of investments and create 57,000 direct jobs and generate total employment with a multiplier effect to the tune of 150,000, generating substantial employment opportunity once fully occupied. JNPT-SEZ aims to slash cost, help in moving goods to and from ports quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively to increase the competitiveness of the sector. With the introduction of port-based SEZ, the hinterlands of JNPT are being industrialized and this is prompting an economic transformation. During the panel discussion, Unmesh Sharad Wagh also highlighted why Vadhvan Port will be a game-changer for the maritime industry in India.

JNPT signed over 30 MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) with potential investors for port projects, technology transfer and development of plots in JNPT SEZ for an amount of around Rs. 27000 crores.