Pratik Bijlani –
India’s maritime sector reached a new milestone with the inauguration of Phase 2 of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT) at Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPA), Nhava Sheva. Operated by Singapore’s PSA International, the expansion makes PSA Mumbai the country’s largest standalone container terminal, boosting its annual handling capacity to 4.8 million TEUs.
The commissioning, virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, also cements JNPA’s position as India’s largest container port by capacity. Built at a cost of ₹7,915 crore through a 30-year public–private partnership between JNPA and PSA, BMCT Phase 2 represents the single largest foreign direct investment in India’s port sector.
The expansion doubles BMCT’s earlier 2.4 million TEU capacity, extending quay length to 2,000 metres. The terminal is now equipped with 24 quay cranes, 72 rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs), and direct rail connectivity to the Dedicated Freight Corridor. These enhancements are expected to significantly improve cargo-handling efficiency, vessel turnaround, and multimodal logistics integration.
The inauguration ceremony brought together senior dignitaries from India and Singapore, including Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, union minister of state for ports Shantanu Thakur, and PSA India managing director Gobu Selliaya. Industry leaders hailed the expansion as a “game-changer” that will enhance India’s trade competitiveness and strengthen its global connectivity.
JNPA chairman Unmesh Wagh highlighted the achievement: “With this expansion, JNPA has become India’s largest container port and Maharashtra has reclaimed its leadership in the maritime sector.” He added that the upcoming port at Vadhavan in Palghar district would further consolidate the state’s maritime position.
Marex Media