Indira Dock processed 5.38 million tonnes of cargo from 401 vessels in FY25; iron and steel comprised over 85% of the volume
By encouraging private participation in the operation and maintenance (O&M) of berths at Indira Dock, the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) has started the biggest privatisation initiative in its history, which is a major step towards modernising its operations. The project is a component of the port’s long-term plan to improve clean cargo handling efficiency and develop sustainable economic models.
There are 29 berths at Indira Dock. There are now 22 berths available for cargo operations and have been put up for bid, except those assigned to the Indian Coast Guard and Cochin Shipyard. All types of import and export cargo are handled by these berths. Iron and steel accounted for more than 85% of the 5.38 million tonnes of cargo processed by 401 vessels at Indira Dock in FY25.
End-to-end operational activities, such as vessel berthing and unberthing, cargo unloading, storage, intra-dock transport, and cargo delivery for coastal and international cargoes, are all included in the planned privatisation. The proposed O&M contract has a five-year duration with a five-year performance-based extension option.
Angamuthu claims that the dock’s cargo operations are currently dispersed across several organisations, including transporters, clearing and forwarding companies, stevedores, and others. It is anticipated that combining these under a single commercial operator will optimise resource allocation, simplify procedures, and enhance important performance indicators like berth productivity, turnover time (TRT), and overall cost effectiveness. It is anticipated that this would bring more business to the port.
Additionally, it is anticipated that private operators would offer enhanced marketing skills, more competitive rate structures, greater use of berths and storage areas (particularly inside the lock gate), renovation of storage facilities, and the installation of contemporary or mechanised equipment.
The deadline for EoI submissions has been set by MbPA for December 15, 2025. Tenders will be released after the responses are assessed, and the port hopes to complete the deal by March 31, 2026.
SOURCE – MARITIME GATEWAY
