Major Investments to Transform Kandla Port
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, recently unveiled significant initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of Kandla Port. With an investment exceeding ₹57,000 crores, these initiatives are poised to transform the port into a major hub for maritime activities. The announcements include the establishment of a new Mega Shipbuilding Project and the development of a new cargo terminal. These projects align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision of “Make in India, Make for the World,” aiming to bolster India’s manufacturing capabilities and economic growth.
New Mega Shipbuilding Project
One of the most ambitious components of this initiative is the construction of a Mega Shipbuilding Facility at Kandla Port. This project will require an investment of ₹30,000 crores and is expected to significantly enhance India’s technical capabilities in ship manufacturing. The facility will focus on producing Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and similar vessels, with a capacity of up to 3,20,000 tonnes DWT.
Spanning over 8,000 acres, the new facility will not only manufacture new ships but also repair existing ones. It is projected to produce 32 new ships and repair 50 old ships annually. The facility will include various components such as a marina, fishing harbor, townships, and a marine industrial cluster. This development is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities in the region, particularly in ancillary manufacturing and assembly units. The establishment of this shipbuilding facility is expected to unlock significant value for trade interests and contribute to the overall economic development of the area.
Development of a New Cargo Terminal
In addition to the shipbuilding project, a new cargo terminal is set to be developed outside Kandla Creek, towards Tuna. This project will involve an investment of ₹27,000 crores and will add an impressive 135 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to the existing capacity of Kandla Port. The new terminal will be equipped with modern cargo handling equipment and efficient evacuation systems, allowing for the handling of dry bulk cargo.
This restructuring of the port is crucial for improving its operational efficiency. The new terminal will facilitate the conversion of existing jetties into liquid jetties, thereby enhancing the port’s capability to handle liquid cargo. This change is expected to significantly reduce the waiting time for liquid tanker vessels and improve turnaround times. Furthermore, the proximity of the new port to the navigation channel will minimize dredging requirements, enabling larger vessels to dock with ease.
Enhancing Port Infrastructure for Economic Growth
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the importance of ports as critical hubs for the nation’s economy. He stated that enhancing port infrastructure is essential to meet India’s expanding ambitions. The new developments at Kandla Port will not only augment its operational capacity but also improve efficiency by segregating dry and liquid cargo handling.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is on a steadfast path toward becoming an Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047. The government recognizes that ports play a pivotal role in this journey. By investing in port infrastructure, the country aims to create a robust platform for production and trade, ultimately contributing to economic development and job creation.
Ongoing Projects to Further Expand Capacity
The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) is actively working on several other projects to enhance Kandla Port’s capacity. A new mega cargo terminal with a capacity of 2.19 million TEUs is under construction at Tuna Tekra through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Additionally, a Multi Cargo Terminal at Tuna Tekra is being considered, which will add 18.33 MTPA to the existing capacity.
Moreover, three new oil jetties are being constructed, which will further increase the liquid cargo handling capacity by 10 MTPA. The development of a Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) and two product jetties at Vadinar will add another 24.5 MTPA to the liquid cargo capacity. A ship repair facility project at Vadinar is also in the pipeline, capable of servicing 32 vessels annually. These ongoing projects reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities of Kandla Port and positioning it as a key player in India’s maritime landscape.
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