To enhance India’s maritime infrastructure, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, has announced transformative projects worth ₹57,000 crores for Kandla Port. These initiatives align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Make in India, Make for the World” and aim to strengthen India’s standing as a global trade hub.
Key Announcements
The two major projects unveiled include:
- Mega Shipbuilding Facility: A state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility will be constructed at Kandla Port with an investment of ₹30,000 crores. This facility will enable the manufacturing of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) with a capacity of 3,20,000 tonnes DWT and similar-class vessels. It is expected to produce 32 new ships annually and repair 50 ships per year. Spread over 8,000 acres, the complex will house a marina, fishing harbour, townships, and a marine industrial cluster. This development is poised to generate significant trade and employment opportunities, particularly in ancillary manufacturing and assembly units.
- New Cargo Terminal: A modern cargo terminal, to be constructed outside Kandla Creek near Tuna, will require ₹27,000 crores in investment. The facility will add 135 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to the port’s capacity, facilitating efficient dry bulk cargo handling with advanced equipment and streamlined evacuation systems. This terminal will also free up Kandla’s existing jetties to focus on liquid cargo, significantly enhancing the port’s efficiency in handling liquid tanker vessels.
Vision for Progress:
During the announcement, Shri Sonowal highlighted the transformative potential of these projects in driving India’s economic growth. He remarked, “The capacity expansion at Kandla Port is a testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a self-reliant India. By enhancing port infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for India to become a global production hub.”
The new initiatives will not only expand the port’s operational capacity but also improve turnaround times for vessels, reduce dredging requirements, and accommodate larger ships. These advancements are pivotal to India’s journey toward becoming an Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047.
Other Ongoing Developments
The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) is also spearheading several complementary projects to bolster Kandla Port’s infrastructure:
- A mega cargo terminal at Tuna Tekra, with a capacity of 2.19 million TEU, is under construction through a public-private partnership model.
- A new multi-cargo terminal at Tuna Tekra, with an additional capacity of 18.33 MTPA, is being planned.
- Three new oil jetties, adding 10 MTPA capacity, are under construction.
- Additional projects at Vadinar include a Single Buoy Mooring (SBM), two product jetties to handle 24.5 MTPA liquid cargo, and a ship repair facility capable of servicing 32 vessels annually.
Strategic Importance
These initiatives will significantly improve India’s port infrastructure, aligning with the country’s goal to support expanding trade and economic ambitions. By segregating dry and liquid cargo, Kandla Port’s efficiency will be enhanced, reinforcing its role as a critical economic hub.
The projects underscore India’s commitment to modernizing its maritime sector and creating world-class facilities, ensuring that ports like Kandla remain pivotal in the nation’s journey toward economic self-reliance.