The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has invited proposals from well-known consulting firms for the development of a master plan for a port city in the state.

The ultra-modern and state-of-the-art Port City in Gujarat will be in line with the success of international cities such as Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, etc.

Proposed to be set up in in the vicinity of one of Gujarat’s non-major ports, the greenfield urban region will have a port-induced industrial cluster, state-of-the-art commercial centres and residential complexes for skilled individuals who would contribute to the port and industries' growth.

As part of the initial exercise, the consultant would be required to carry out an assessment of seven shortlisted locations, namely, Pipavav, Hazira, Valsad District/ Nargol (Greenfield), Porbandar, Bhavnagar, Amreli and Gulf of Kutch.

However, any other location preferred by the bidder may also be suggested and evaluated as part of the location assessment.

According to the request for proposal, the masterplan must cover a detailed implementation plan for the development of the area earmarked for the port development, within the port city at selected location.

The masterplan would contain two separate, yet interlinked, components — the port area masterplan and the city area masterplan.

The project will have a duration of 12 months during which the consultant has to develop the complete masterplan for the Port City, as per the requirements stated and approval of GMB and other associated state and national agencies.

With Gujarat's coastline, extending for over 1,600 km, the longest in the country, it gives the state unique accessibility to major international maritime routes.

Gujarat Maritime Board, which is responsible for the development, administration, operation and regulation of Gujarat's non-major ports and maritime activities, has finalised the concept of a dedicated port city to harness the state's maritime potential, as well as, transform its economy and urban landscape.