Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra receives environmental clearance; cabinet approval is awaited for the Rs 76,220 crore project.
The Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra’s Palghar district has obtained environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the shipping ministry will soon seek cabinet approval for the Rs 76,220 crore project. Developed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board, the port received in-principle approval from the Centre on February 13, 2020, with terms of reference approved on October 7 of the same year. The project’s clearance was confirmed by the Union Environment Ministry. The Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority (DTEPA) approved the port on July 31, 2023. Despite opposition from locals, farmers, and fishermen, a public hearing was conducted last month. Vadhavan Port offers natural depth and proximity to inland clusters and upcoming dedicated freight corridors, promising reduced maintenance costs. The project emphasises sophisticated cargo handling systems with minimal environmental impact. Developed under the landlord model, the new port is a joint venture between JNPT (74 percent stake) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (26 percent stake), scheduled for development in two phases.
(Source: PTI)
