The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a major infrastructure project for Maharashtra—the construction of a major port at Vadhavan near Dahanu in Palghar district. This ambitious project, estimated at ₹76,200 crore, is set to transform the region’s maritime connectivity and economic prospects.
The port, to be developed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a joint venture between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), will be an all-weather greenfield port. It will feature nine container terminals, each 1000 metres long, four multipurpose berths (including a coastal berth), four liquid cargo berths, a Ro-Ro berth, and a Coast Guard berth. This extensive infrastructure is designed to accommodate diverse types of cargo and vessels, enhancing the region’s trade potential.
In addition to its immediate economic benefits, the port’s construction is expected to have far-reaching positive impacts. It will create significant direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulating economic growth in the region. Furthermore, the port’s strategic location is set to bolster Maharashtra’s position in global trade, with the potential to elevate it to one of the top ports worldwide.
This project underscores the government’s commitment to boosting infrastructure and fostering economic development in Maharashtra. It represents a crucial step towards realising the state’s full maritime potential and is poised to be a key driver of growth and prosperity in the region.
