(Commonwealth_ Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated multiple projects worth nearly ₹2,000 crores at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) to boost its capacity and efficiency. These initiatives included the launch of a solar-powered boat, two indigenously developed 70-tonne tugs, and three fire tenders, enhancing the port’s safety and operational standards.
Expanding JNPA’s Capacity and Performance
Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted JNPA’s achievements, noting that it is among the world’s top global ports and India’s largest port, having surpassed 10 million TEUs capacity in January 2025. The port handled a record 7.05 million TEUs in 2024, operating at over 90% capacity with an annual growth of 11% year-over-year. The second phase of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT), commissioned in January 2025, added 2.4 million TEUs to the port’s capacity. Additionally, the ongoing upgrade of the Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (NSFT) will further boost its capacity to 10.4 million TEUs by 2027, positioning JNPA as a key hub for India’s growing trade.
Speaking about the growth, Sonowal stated, “JNPA’s elevation as a port capable of handling 10 million TEUs is a testament to the efforts under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The marine sector has seen a strategic focus on unlocking potential, optimizing resources, and creating value through infrastructure development.”
Major MoUs to Bolster Infrastructure
The Union Minister oversaw the signing of significant MoUs aimed at port development. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Vadhavan Port Private Limited (VPPL) and Reliance Industries Limited granted a liquid jetty and 50 acres of land at Vadhavan Port under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with an investment of ₹645 crores expected to commence by 2030. Another MoU with Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth Dapoli (DBKKVD) focuses on implementing an integrated agricultural and horticultural plan for villages in Dahanu and Palghar near Vadhavan.
A strategic partnership between VPPL and HUDCO was also established to develop ports and PPP projects. HUDCO committed up to ₹25,000 crores in funding, leveraging its financial expertise and VPPL’s infrastructure capabilities to drive sustainable development. This alliance aligns with India’s vision of achieving economic growth through robust infrastructure.
Agro Processing Facility and Warehousing Initiatives
As part of the ₹2,000 crore investment, a state-of-the-art Agro Processing Facility was launched at JNPA, costing ₹284 crores. Spanning 27 acres, this facility is designed to handle 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually, offering services like processing, sorting, packing, and laboratory testing to meet food safety standards. It will support agricultural producers and traders in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, enhancing India’s agricultural trade infrastructure.
Additionally, an MoU was signed to develop a warehousing facility under JNPA’s plan to monetize vacant land parcels. This ₹300 crore investment will establish ambient and temperature-controlled warehouses and container freight stations (CFS) to handle 120,000 TEUs annually, further boosting port efficiency.
JNPA SEZ: A Hub for Industrial Growth
JNPA’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ), India’s first port-based multi-product SEZ, spans 277.38 hectares and offers seamless connectivity via water, rail, road, and air. Out of 163 hectares of leasable land, 124 hectares have already been allotted to 54 units, with 10 operational units and one Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ). These facilities cater to sectors like food processing, manufacturing, and trading, streamlining approvals through a single-window clearance process. Investments from operational plots total ₹623 crores, while proposed investments amount to ₹1,700 crores. The EXIM trade at JNPA SEZ grew significantly, handling 13,906 TEUs and achieving trade worth ₹7,314 crores in FY 2024-25 (up to December).
Education and Community Development
Sonowal also performed the Bhoomi Pujan for a new CBSE school building within the port premises, emphasizing community development through education.
Vision for the Future
The Union Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to making India’s ports future-ready. “Investment in port infrastructure is about preparing for tomorrow’s demands,” Sonowal said, emphasizing the importance of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in driving economic growth. He stated that by aligning with India’s long-term goals, JNPA would continue to deliver world-class infrastructure, serving as a pivotal energy point in the nation’s growth story.
These developments reinforce JNPA’s role as a key player in global trade and underscore India’s focus on becoming a top marine country.
