India’s Marine Sector Poised for Global Leadership: Union Minister Highlights JNPA Achievements and Future Prospects

New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is set to solidify its position as a global leader in marine trade, with landmark achievements and ambitious development plans unveiled under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted these advancements during a series of events and MoU signings aimed at bolstering India’s port infrastructure and global trade capacity.

Addressing a gathering, Union Minister Sonowal praised JNPA’s strides toward becoming one of the world’s premier ports, capable of handling 10 million TEUs. “Our ports are being equipped to handle growing trade volumes, reflecting PM Modi ji’s vision of empowering India’s marine sector to achieve global prominence,” he said.

In a major development, MoUs worth billions were signed for the Vadhavan Port Project. These included agreements between Vadhavan Port Private Limited (VPPL) and Reliance Industries Limited to develop a ₹645 crore Liquid Jetty under a PPP model. The project is expected to commence operations by 2030.

Another MoU with Dr. Balasaheb Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth Dapoli aims to integrate agricultural and horticultural development in Dahanu and Palghar. Additionally, a partnership between VPPL and HUDCO will see ₹25,000 crore allocated for new port development and PPP projects, marking a significant step toward sustainable infrastructure.

Sonowal emphasized the transformative potential of these initiatives, stating, “We are not just building ports but creating growth engines for the nation’s prosperity.”

The Minister launched the construction of a state-of-the-art Agro Processing Facility within JNPA at an investment of ₹284 crore. Spanning 27 acres, this facility will enhance the export and domestic trade of agricultural commodities, providing processing, sorting, packing, and laboratory services for food safety compliance. It is expected to handle 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually, benefiting producers from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Additionally, a ₹300 crore investment will establish temperature-controlled warehousing and CFS facilities at JNPA, anticipated to generate 1,20,000 TEUs annually.

The JNPA Special Economic Zone (SEZ), India’s first port-based multi-product SEZ, continues to drive industrial development. Covering 277.38 hectares, it has already leased 124 hectares to 54 units, with sectors ranging from warehousing to manufacturing. The SEZ reported a substantial increase in EXIM trade, from ₹13,939 crore in FY 2023-24 to ₹7,314 crore (up to December 2024) in FY 2024-25.

Sonowal emphasized the SEZ’s potential, stating, “With seamless connectivity and transparent processes, the JNPA SEZ exemplifies our commitment to creating investor-friendly ecosystems.”

The Union Minister also performed the Bhoomi Pujan for a CBSE school building within the port premises, reinforcing the government’s focus on community development through education.

Sonowal concluded, “Investments in our ports are investments in India’s future. By aligning with the nation’s long-term goals, we are creating infrastructure that not only meets current demands but also positions India as a global maritime leader.”