Rs 2,000cr expansion projects launched at JNPA

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, launched multiple projects worth nearly ₹2,000 crore to expand capacity at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).

Sonowal also launched one solar-powered boat, two indigenously developed 70T tugs and Three fire tenders, boosting the safety and efficiency of the port, says an official release.

JNPA handled its highest-ever container volume of 7.05 million TEUs in 2024, performing at more than 90 percent capacity, the release added. "It had an annual growth of 11 percent last year as compared to the previous calendar year. With the commissioning of the second phase of Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT) in January 2025, another 2.4 million TEUs is added to JNPA’s total capacity. The upgrade of Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (NSFT) in 2025 is also likely to add capacity to the port. With the growth projections of the current rate, the container handling capacity will increase to 10.4 million TEUs."

Sonowal says: “It is a remarkable feat for JNPA as well as for the whole of the marine sector of India. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has been a concerted effort to unlock value by sweating our assets. At the same time, our team has been working to create value out of idle resources while adding capacity at the same time innovative value propositions. With growing infrastructure, including creating capacity to handle larger vessels, JNPA is poised to play a crucial role as a key gateway for India’s global trade. As India’s trade volume increases, from sectors as diverse as manufacturing to textiles, from electronics to agriculture, our ports are investing in capacity building as well as creating efficient solutions to support growing container traffic. We believe that JNPA’s elevation as one of the few ports of the world to handle 10 million TEUs is a testament to the effort being put in by the Narendra Modi government since 2014 towards enabling India’s marine sector to become one of the top marine countries of the world.”

Sonowal also launched the development of a state-of-the-art agro processing facility at JNPA. "This pioneering initiative, with an investment of Rs 284 crore, marks a significant milestone in bolstering India’s agricultural trade infrastructure. Spanning 27 acres within the port complex, this one-of-its-kind facility is set to transform the processing, storage, and transportation of agricultural commodities.

"Designed to handle approximately 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually, the facility will offer comprehensive services including processing, sorting, packing, and laboratory facilities to ensure compliance with food safety and trade regulations."

Another MoU was signed for setting up a warehousing facility in the port area under JNPA’s initiative to monetise vacant land parcels along with capacity development. An investment of Rs 300 crore is being fixed for the development of these ambient and temperature controlled warehousing and CFS facilities, the release added.

Focus on Vadhvan Port
Major MoUs were signed in the presence of the Sonowal for the development of the Vadhavan Port project, the release added. "A MoU between VPPL and Reliance Industries allocates liquid jetty along with 50 acres of land under the PPP model. This investment is estimated at Rs 645 crore, and is likely to commence by 2030.

"Another MoU between VPPL and Dr Balasaheb Kokan Krishi Vidyapeeth Dapoli was signed for the development and implementation of an integrated agricultural and horticultural plan for short-listed villages in Dahanu and Palghar in and around Vadhavan.

"A working partnership has been established between VPPL and HUDCO, and HUDCO has committed to providing funding of up to Rs 25,000 crore for the development of new ports and PPP projects."

Also Read:JNPA reports highest-ever container throughput of 7 mn TEUs in CY2024

Also Read:JNPA, Terminal Investment sign Rs 20,000cr deal for Vadhvan Port