Pratik Bijlani –
Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) on August 22nd to inaugurate three significant Lake Beautification and Rejuvenation projects. Mr Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA warmly welcomed Mr Sonowal. His visit marked a pivotal moment for JNPA, showcasing the port’s ongoing contributions to India’s infrastructure development and environmental sustainability.
The event was attended by a gathering of media personnel and key figures from the shipping industry, highlighting the importance of this occasion. JNPA, spread across 277 hectares, is one of India’s premier container-handling ports, boasting five container terminals—NSFT, NSICT, NSIGT, BMCT, and APMT—alongside a Shallow Water berth for general cargo. The port’s newly constructed coastal berth further connects it to other Indian ports, facilitating seamless coastal container traffic. Since its establishment on May 26, 1989, JNPA has evolved from a bulk cargo terminal into one of the country’s most efficient ports, continuously supporting India’s export-oriented industries through its state-of-the-art infrastructure and multi-product SEZ.
The minister’s visit underscored JNPA’s dedication to contributing to the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision by enhancing infrastructure and promoting sustainable growth. Mr Sonowal inaugurated three water bodies—Admin Building Foothill Lake, CPP Lake, and the newly initiated Jashkar Lake—intended to boost ecological balance within the port’s vicinity. Named after revered Maharashtrian saints, these lakes serve as vital reservoirs for rainfall harvesting and local habitation.
The minister also conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Smart SEZ project. This initiative aims to prevent perimeter intrusions, streamline gate operations, and extend network connectivity across the SEZ, all while preparing for future applications like Smart Water Management and Energy Management Systems. Mr Sonowal emphasized JNPA’s commitment to sustainability by planting a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.
A notable highlight of the visit was the issuance of Letters of Intent to SEZ concessionaires. JNPA has shown remarkable success in SEZ development, with the recent e-auction of Phase 7 plots generating a 95.23% increase in quoted values above the reserve price. This success translates to a 63% revenue increase for JNPA, which handled EXIM trade worth ₹15,000 crores in the last financial year. The port is now positioned to achieve even greater milestones, reflecting its continuous growth.
Mr Sonowal also announced the official date of concession for Liquid Berth-3 and Liquid Berth-4 (LB3/LB4), awarded to M/S JSW Infrastructure Limited. This development will significantly boost JNPA’s liquid cargo handling capacity from 6.5 MMTPA to 11 MMTPA, reinforcing the port’s position as a key player in India’s maritime sector.
Two crucial Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, further solidifying JNPA’s commitment to sustainable and advanced operations. One MoU with Gateway Terminals India (GTI) focuses on implementing shore power supply for vessels, while the other, in collaboration with Vadhvan Port and REC, supports infrastructure projects through loans.
Mr Sonowal also launched the Vadhvan Skilling Program’s WhatsApp ChatBot, designed to facilitate skilling initiatives aligned with employment opportunities at the upcoming Vadhvan Port. The minister highlighted the transformative impact of these projects, which are expected to generate around 10 lakh jobs, particularly benefiting the coastal communities.
In his speech, Mr Sonowal praised JNPA’s dedication to sustainability, saying, “Accordingly we are aiming for bigger and bigger targets to achieve, and I believe that’s why today also JNPA have developed many quality infrastructure, and even this port is going to become an eco-friendly port.” His words reaffirm JNPA’s mission to advance the nation’s economic growth by supporting seamless trade and strengthening its role in global supply chains.
As JNPA continues to pursue ambitious targets, its efforts align with the broader vision of making India a leader in the maritime industry through sustainable and innovative practices.
Marex Media