Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates ₹2,000 crore projects to boost Jawaharlal Nehru Port’s capacity and efficiency.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated infrastructure projects worth ₹2,000 crore at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Mumbai. These developments include launching a solar-powered boat, two indigenously built 70-tonne tugs, and three fire tenders, enhancing the port’s safety and operational efficiency.
JNPA, India’s largest container port, achieved a milestone capacity of over 10 million TEUs in January 2025 and aims to handle 10 million TEUs annually by 2027. In 2024, it managed 7.05 million TEUs, marking an 11 percent year-on-year growth. The recent commissioning of Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal’s second phase added 2.4 million TEUs to its capacity. Upgrades to Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal will further bolster its throughput.
Additionally, Sonowal unveiled an agro-processing facility, developed at ₹284 crore over 27 acres, capable of handling 1.2 million tonnes annually. This facility aims to streamline agricultural exports for Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. A ₹300 crore warehousing project was also launched to develop ambient and temperature-controlled facilities, projected to handle 1,20,000 TEUs annually.
Major MoUs were signed, including a ₹645 crore agreement with Reliance Industries for a liquid jetty at Vadhavan Port and a partnership with HUDCO for ₹25,000 crore funding for future port projects.
JNPA’s SEZ continues to thrive, attracting investments worth ₹2,323 crore across 54 units, with 10 operational units contributing significantly to EXIM trade. The SEZ’s exports and imports in FY 2024-25 reached ₹7,314 crore by December.
Sonowal emphasised the government’s focus on modernising ports as economic drivers, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a globally competitive marine sector. “These developments ensure JNPA remains a pivotal gateway for India’s growing trade,” he remarked.
The initiatives aim to position India among top global maritime nations by fostering sustainable growth, enhancing infrastructure, and supporting economic aspirations.
