Major Developments at Jawaharlal Nehru Port

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai is set to undergo significant enhancements following the launch of multiple projects worth nearly โน2,000 crore by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. This initiative aims to expand the port’s capacity and improve its operational efficiency. The projects include the introduction of a solar-powered boat, two indigenously developed 70-ton tugs, and three fire tenders. These advancements are expected to bolster safety and operational efficiency at one of India’s busiest ports.
JNPA’s Growing Capacity and Global Standing
Shri Sonowal emphasized that JNPA is among the top global ports and is India’s largest port, having crossed a capacity of over 10 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in January 2025. The port is on track to achieve a throughput of 10 million TEUs by 2027. In 2024, JNPA handled a record container volume of 7.05 million TEUs, operating at over 90% capacity. This impressive performance represents an annual growth rate of 11% compared to the previous year.
The commissioning of the second phase of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT) in January 2025 will add another 2.4 million TEUs to JNPA’s total capacity. Additionally, the planned upgrade of the Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (NSFT) in 2025 is expected to further enhance the port’s capabilities. With these developments, JNPA’s container handling capacity is projected to reach 10.4 million TEUs, reinforcing its position as a critical player in global trade.
Strategic Partnerships and Infrastructure Development
During the launch event, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to facilitate the development of the Vadhavan Port Project. One notable agreement between Vadhavan Port Private Limited (VPPL) and Reliance Industries Limited involves the allocation of a Liquid Jetty and 50 acres of land under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This investment, estimated at โน645 crore, is expected to commence by 2030.
Another MoU was signed with Dr. Balasaheb Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth Dapoli (DBKKVD) to develop an integrated agricultural and horticultural plan for villages in the Dahanu and Palghar regions. A partnership between VPPL and HUDCO aims to enhance collaboration in the infrastructure sector, with HUDCO committing up to โน25,000 crore for new ports and PPP projects. This strategic alliance is designed to drive sustainable infrastructure development and bolster India’s economic growth.
Enhancing Agricultural Trade Infrastructure
As part of the โน2,000 crore capacity enhancement projects, a state-of-the-art Agro Processing Facility was launched at JNPA. This facility, with an investment of โน284 crore, will play a crucial role in improving India’s agricultural trade infrastructure. Spanning 27 acres within the port complex, it is designed to process, store, and transport agricultural commodities effectively.
The facility aims to handle approximately 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually and will provide comprehensive services, including processing, sorting, packing, and laboratory facilities to ensure compliance with food safety and trade regulations. This initiative is expected to benefit not only Maharashtra but also agricultural producers and traders from neighboring states like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, facilitating seamless export-import and domestic trade of agro commodities.
In addition to the Agro Processing Facility, plans for a warehousing facility under JNPA’s initiative to monetize vacant land parcels are underway. An investment of โน300 crore is earmarked for developing ambient and temperature-controlled warehousing and Container Freight Station (CFS) facilities, which will generate 120,000 TEUs annually once fully operational.
These developments at JNPA signify a robust commitment to enhancing India’s maritime infrastructure and economic growth, aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to empower the nation’s ports as pivotal drivers of economic progress.
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