Indus Valley Times

By Pravakar Sahoo

New Delhi, Jan.12: In a historic move, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has launched a transformative infrastructure development initiative aligned with the 2047 Vision. Signifying a new era for Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, a monumental Rs. 10,000 crores Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been inked between DPA, Kandla, and Umeandus Technologies India Private Limited. This strategic partnership aims at revolutionizing transportation and logistics infrastructure, focusing on handling Bulk, Break-bulk, and Container cargo. The project is set to elevate the port’s capacity to an impressive 300 million metric tons or beyond, ensuring both commercial viability and environmental sustainability. This forward-looking endeavour is poised to generate employment opportunities for a significant workforce, providing jobs for at least 1,000 skilled and non-skilled staff, along with 10,000 during the construction phase.

During the event, APM Terminals and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) signed a Rs. 20,000 crores of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) expressing their intent to invest in the Vadhavan Port Project. The proposed Vadhavan port is a high-priority initiative for the Government, the port is designed to handle an annual cargo capacity of 23 million TEUs or 254 million tons, boasting a natural draft of 20 meters to accommodate larger container vessels of up to 20,000 TEUs. Once completed, the project will rank among the world’s top 10 largest ports and serve as a significant green fuel hub.

The momentous MoU signing ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. This collaboration, graced by key dignitaries, underscores the significant commitment to advancing maritime infrastructure and heralds a new chapter in the development of the region’s transportation and logistics capabilities.

During the event, Shri Sonowal said, ‘The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, under the leadership of PM Modi, continues to be the longest and most prestigious investment summit. This Global Summit is a thriving and vibrant testament to the credibility and faith reposed by the entire world in the most successful Prime Minister in our nation’s history, Shri Narendra Modi ji’.

‘India has made significant strides in the Global Maritime Arena. Under the Sagarmala Programme launched by the Prime Minister for Port Led Industrialization, 14 projects worth Rs. 55,800 Crores have been identified, with 9 projects totalling Rs. 45,800 Crore already completed. The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy have greatly enhanced the national logistics roadmap, facilitating swift port-led industrialization and city development’, Shri Sonowal stated.

The event marked a pivotal moment with the unveiling of the ‘Vision 2047’ by dignitaries from the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB). Aligned with India’s AmritKaal Vision 2047 and Maritime India Vision 2030, this transformative document signifies a leap forward for Gujarat’s maritime sector. The Vision 2047 roadmap outlines strategic goals across short-term, mid-term, and long-term objectives, emphasizing growth and sustainability. Initiatives include organizational restructuring, port modernization, green initiatives, digital transformation, and maritime education. The plan also involves Greenfield port projects and aims for ultra-mega port status, reflecting a holistic approach to sustainable growth and technological advancement in the maritime sector.