Vadhavan Port Project In Maharashtra Set To Elevate India’s Position Within Global Maritime Hubs: Centre

The upcoming Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, strategically located on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), is set to significantly enhance India’s maritime infrastructure.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, said that once operational, the deep-draft port is expected to expand the country’s container handling capacity by 23.2 million TEUs, strengthening India’s presence among global maritime trade hubs.

"The Vadhavan Port, a deep-draft port located on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), is projected to enhance India’s container handling capacity by 23.2 million TEUs. This new Port development is set to elevate India’s position within global maritime hubs," Sonowal said.

Alongside its infrastructural ambitions, the project emphasises inclusive development through key partnerships and skill-building initiatives.

The minister informed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Vadhavan Port Project Ltd (VPPL) and Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) to facilitate educational collaboration.

In another agreement, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) will provide vocational training for local youth and those affected by the port project.

This training will be conducted through recognised Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs).

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VPPL has also partnered with Sahyadri Farms to promote rural entrepreneurship and strengthen the agricultural value chain. In collaboration with NGOs, ongoing training is being provided for heavy vehicle driving and mechanical skills.

To improve accessibility, VPPL has launched a WhatsApp Chatbot to streamline information and registration for the skilling programs aimed at youth in the Vadhavan area.

The development efforts are expected to benefit tribal, rural, and coastal communities in Palghar district and across Maharashtra.

Initiatives include the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, Forest Rights & Livelihood Empowerment programs, the TREE (Tribal Rights Expansion & Empowerment) initiative, MGNREGA projects, the Zila Parishad’s Thakkar Bappa Tribal Settlement Programme, and Impact India’s Community Health Initiative.

These integrated efforts aim to ensure that the Vadhavan Port not only serves as a major maritime asset but also benefits socio-economic growth in the region.

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