Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways , Sarbananda Sonowal has announced a massive infrastructure development plan for Kandla Port, with investments worth over Rs 570 billion. This development aims to enhance India’s port capacity in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision.
Multi-Billion-Dollar Investment to Boost Kandla Port’s Capacity
The key announcements include the establishment of a new Mega Shipbuilding Project, with an investment of Rs 300 billion, and the development of a new cargo terminal outside Kandla Creek, valued at Rs 270 billion. The new terminal will add 135 MTPA to the port’s existing capacity, reinforcing India’s position as a dominant player in international trade.
Kandla’s Mega Shipbuilding Project: Unlocking Domestic Technical Capabilities
The new Mega Shipbuilding Facility at Kandla Port aims to develop technical capabilities to manufacture large Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) or similar vessels, with a capacity of up to 3,20,000 tons DWT. The facility will be capable of producing 32 new ships and repairing 50 old ships annually, making India self-sufficient in shipbuilding and repair.
Transformative Port Development outside Kandla Creek
A new state-of-the-art port is being developed outside Kandla Creek, towards Tuna, as part of efforts to restructure the port. The new port will handle dry bulk cargo with modern equipment and more efficient evacuation systems, enabling the conversion of Kandla into Liquid Jetties. This will significantly enhance the handling of liquid cargo and reduce the turnaround time of liquid tanker vessels.
Raise in India’s Trading Ambitions: Port Infrastructure Expansion
Sonowal emphasized that ports are essential hubs for India’s economy, serving as critical links that drive economic growth. He highlighted the importance of enhancing port infrastructure capacity to meet India’s expanding ambitions, with an aim to make India self-reliant, or Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047.
Multi-Pronged Approach: New Developments and Upcoming Initiatives
Deendayal Port Authority DPA is also working on several other initiatives to increase Kandla Port’s capacity, including a new mega cargo terminal at Tuna Tekra, a new Multi Cargo Terminal, and three new oil jetties, along with a Single Buoy Mooring SBM and two product jetties at Vadinar. The Ship Repair Facility at Vadinar is also under consideration, which will be capable of servicing 32 vessels annually.
