Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Rs 2,000 Crore Projects to Bolster JNPA Capacity

Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday unveiled a series of projects worth nearly Rs 2,000 crore to enhance the capacity of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), according to an official statement.

JNPA, recognised as one of the top global ports and India’s largest port, achieved a milestone of surpassing 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) capacity in January 2025. The port is projected to handle 10 million TEUs throughput by 2027.

In 2024, JNPA recorded its highest-ever container volume of 7.05 million TEUs, operating at over 90 per cent capacity. The statement highlighted an annual growth of 11 per cent year-on-year compared to the previous calendar year.

"The upgradation of Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (NSFT) in 2025 is also likely to add capacity to the port," the statement noted.

Key agreements were signed in the presence of the minister, including a major memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Vadhavan Port Project.

"A MoU between VPPL and Reliance Industries Limited allocates Liquid Jetty along with 50 acres of land at Vadhavan port under PPP model. This investment is estimated at Rs 645 crore and is likely to commence by 2030," the statement added.

Sonowal also launched the development of a state-of-the-art Agro Processing Facility as part of the Rs 2,000 crore capacity enhancement initiatives at JNPA.

These developments underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and bolstering its position in global trade.

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