In a significant move to enhance India’s maritime infrastructure, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, today unveiled two major initiatives aimed at increasing the capacity of Kandla Port, with a combined investment of over ₹57,000 crores. These projects, which include the establishment of a new Mega Shipbuilding Facility and the development of a state-of-the-art cargo terminal, are expected to boost both trade and employment opportunities in the region.
The first initiative involves the creation of a new Mega Shipbuilding Facility at Kandla Port with an investment of ₹30,000 crores. This facility will enable India to manufacture Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) and other large vessels, with a capacity of up to 3,20,000 tonnes DWT. Spread over 8,000 acres, the project will include a marina, fishing harbor, townships, and a marine industrial cluster, designed to foster ancillary industries and create substantial employment.
The second announcement pertains to the development of a new cargo terminal outside Kandla Creek, with an investment of ₹27,000 crores. This terminal, located toward Tuna, will add 135 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum) to the port’s existing capacity. The new terminal will modernize cargo handling systems, improving efficiency and reducing turnaround time for vessels, particularly in the handling of liquid cargo. With the new terminal’s proximity to the navigation channel, dredging requirements will be minimized, enabling larger vessels to dock more easily.
Highlighting the significance of these developments, Sonowal emphasized that the capacity expansion aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India, Make for the World” vision. He noted that the initiatives are a step toward strengthening India’s position as a global trade hub while fostering regional economic growth.
“These investments will not only enhance Kandla Port’s operational capacity but will also contribute significantly to our broader vision of a developed India, ensuring that we become a platform of production for the world,” said Sonowal.
The new projects are expected to create a host of opportunities in shipbuilding, cargo handling, and ancillary industries, offering a major boost to the local economy and enhancing India’s global competitiveness in maritime trade.
