The Indian government has given the green light for the development of a new deep-water port, Vadhavan, on the western coast of the country. Located about 150 kilometers from Mumbai, Vadhavan is part of a strategic initiative to establish sea and rail links connecting India with Europe through the Middle East. The construction of the port, with an estimated cost of approximately $9.14 billion, is set to begin soon, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2029.
Key Features of Vadhavan Port
The Vadhavan port will include terminals capable of accommodating “mega vessels” and handling a variety of imports, including petroleum and automobiles. This development aligns with India’s broader infrastructure goals and is a significant component of the India-Middle East corridor plan, highlighted during the G20 summit in New Delhi in September.
Strategic Importance
Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the port’s critical role in enhancing India’s connectivity with global markets. With a natural draught of up to 20 meters (65 feet), Vadhavan will be able to handle the largest ships in the world. The port will function as an all-cargo port, featuring zones for containers, dry bulk, and wet bulk.
Infrastructure and Capacity
The government plans to reclaim 1,448 hectares of sea area and construct over six miles of offshore breakwater, along with container and cargo storage areas. Vadhavan port will have a total annual capacity to handle nearly 300 million tonnes of cargo. By 2035, it is expected to handle 15 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, growing to 23 million TEU by 2040.
Terminals and Berths
The port will feature nine container terminals, each over 3,200 feet long, four multipurpose berths including a coastal berth, four liquid cargo berths, a Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) berth, and a Coast Guard berth. These facilities will enable the port to efficiently manage a diverse range of cargo types and significantly boost India’s shipping and trade capabilities.
Source: https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/ports/india-create-9bn-mega-port-near-mumbai