Vadhavan Port to be three times bigger than Jawaharlal Nehru Port: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

By Admin

23 May, 2025

The state of Maharashtra is gearing up to revolutionize India’s maritime sector with the development of the Vadhavan Port in Palghar district. Touted as a game-changer in port infrastructure, this upcoming port is projected to be three times larger than the Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) in Nhava Sheva, Raigad—currently India’s largest container-handling port.

A Mega Maritime Vision

Speaking at an event with Indian Foreign Service officers, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the monumental scale of this project. “The upcoming Vadhavan Port will be three times larger than JNPA and is expected to rank among the world’s top 10 ports,” he said. The CM further added that this transformative project could pave the way for Mumbai to evolve into a $1.5 trillion economy over the next two decades.

Strategic Importance

JNPT presently handles nearly 50% of India’s total containerised cargo at major ports, underscoring its vital role in the nation's trade ecosystem. With Vadhavan Port poised to eclipse JNPT in size and capacity, the shift in maritime logistics and economic throughput could be historic.

Investment and Partnership Model

The massive project comes with a price tag of ₹76,220 crore and is being developed by Vadhavan Port Project Ltd (VPPL)—a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). This SPV is a joint venture between:

• Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) – 74% stake
  
  

• Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) – 26% stake
  
  

The project will adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, ensuring private sector efficiency while maintaining public oversight. The development will include core infrastructure, multiple terminals, and modern commercial facilities.

Boosting Regional Infrastructure

Complementing the port’s development, the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has initiated a pre-feasibility study for a greenfield airport in the Vadhavan region. This addition is expected to amplify regional connectivity and support the massive logistic demands that will arise from the port.

Moreover, the project will feature robust multi-modal connectivity, including:

• National highway links managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
  
  

• Rail connectivity to the existing network
  
  

• Integration with the upcoming Dedicated Rail Freight Corridor
  
  

Future Outlook

With its unparalleled scale, modern infrastructure, and strategic planning, Vadhavan Port is set to become one of the top 10 ports globally. It signifies not just infrastructural development but the dawn of a new economic era in India’s maritime sector. As Maharashtra leads this change, Vadhavan Port stands as a symbol of ambition, capability, and vision.