Sonowal launches projects worth Rs 2,000 crore at JNPA

New Delhi: Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated multiple projects worth nearly Rs 2,000 crore at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai. These initiatives include a solar-powered boat, two indigenously developed 70T tugs, three fire tenders, and various capacity expansion projects.

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Sonowal highlighted JNPA’s achievements, stating that it is India’s largest port and a global leader, expected to achieve 10 million TEUs throughput by 2027. In 2024, the port handled a record container volume of 7.05 million TEUs, marking an 11 percent year-on-year growth. The second phase of Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT), set to be commissioned in January 2025, will add 2.4 million TEUs to JNPA’s capacity. With the upgradation of the Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (NSFT), the port's total capacity is projected to reach 10.4 million TEUs by 2027.

Key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance infrastructure. A Rs 645 crore investment under a PPP model was finalized between Vadhavan Port Private Limited (VPPL) and Reliance Industries Limited for a Liquid Jetty. Another MoU with Dr. Balasaheb Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth Dapoli focuses on developing an agricultural plan in Dahanu and Palghar. Additionally, HUDCO has committed Rs 25,000 crore to support port development and PPP projects, in partnership with VPPL.

A state-of-the-art Agro Processing Facility, developed with Rs 284 crore, was also launched. Spanning 27 acres, it is designed to handle 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually, benefiting agricultural producers from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. Moreover, a Rs 300 crore investment in warehousing facilities will add 1,20,000 TEUs of annual capacity.

Sonowal also laid the foundation for a CBSE school within the port premises to support community development. The JNPA Special Economic Zone (SEZ), India’s first port-based multi-product SEZ, continues to attract investment. With 124 hectares leased to 54 units, it has already secured Rs 623 crore in operational investments, with another Rs 1,700 crore proposed.

“The empowerment of our ports is not just about infrastructure but about creating opportunities that fuel national prosperity. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s ports are becoming future-ready to handle growing trade volumes,” said Sonowal.

These developments solidify JNPA’s position as a crucial hub for global trade, aligning with India’s vision to emerge as a top maritime nation.

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