The Indian Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Unveils Major Infrastructure Projects at Kandla Port

The Indian Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, recently revealed two significant infrastructure projects totaling ₹570 billion aimed at boosting the capacity of Kandla Port in Gujarat, India.

Mega Shipbuilding Project

The first project, a ₹300 billion “Mega Shipbuilding Project,” is set to enhance the shipbuilding capabilities at Kandla Port. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision and aims to support the construction of very large crude carriers and similar vessels with capacities of up to 320,000 dwt.

The project, covering over 8,000 acres, is expected to facilitate the construction of 32 vessels and the repair of 50 vessels annually. Additionally, the facility will include a marina, a fishing harbor, a township, and a marine industrial cluster to promote trade and create employment opportunities.

Modern Cargo Terminal at Kandla Creek

The second project involves an investment of ₹270 billion in a modern cargo terminal outside of Kandla Creek. This terminal is projected to add an additional 135 million tonnes per year to the port’s capacity and improve operational efficiency.

The new cargo terminal near the village of Tuna, 17 kilometers away from Kandla, will feature modern cargo handling equipment and efficient evacuation systems. The upgrade of existing dry bulk cargo jetties and the conversion of other jetties into liquid jetties will enable Kandla Port to handle liquid cargo more effectively, reducing waiting times for vessels and improving turnaround efficiency.

Enhancing Port Capabilities

In addition to the two major projects, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has been working on several initiatives to enhance Kandla Port’s capacity. A new mega cargo terminal at Tuna-Tekra, constructed under a public-private partnership with DP World, is set to add a capacity of 2.19 million TEUs and 18,330,000 tonnes per annum.

Furthermore, plans are in place to build three new oil jetties and a ship repair facility at Vadinar to service 32 ships annually. These developments aim to bolster trade, create employment opportunities, and support the growth of Kandla Port as a key maritime hub on the west coast of India.