- With these landmark initiatives, Deendayal Port Authority reaffirms its commitment to building a green, efficient, and globally competitive maritime ecosystem
- Nearly one-third of India’s maritime trade is managed by Kutch’s ports: PM
- For the first time, major ports have collectively handled a record 15 crore tonnes of cargo in a year, with Kandla Port playing a crucial role
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
GANDHIDHAM, MAY 27
Aiming to enhance the coastal economy of the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stone for several transformational projects of Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, worth over ₹1,100 crores, at Bhuj, Kutch on Monday.
These projects are a part of the ₹53,400 crore worth developmental projects which were inaugurated and laid foundation stone in Kutch in Gujarat.
Speaking at the event, Modi emphasised the economic significance of coastal regions, noting that maritime prosperity has been a key factor in the growth of many nations.
Citing Dhola Vira and Lothal—ancient port cities—as prime examples of India’s rich heritage and their role in historical trade and development, the Prime Minister said, “inspired by this legacy, the government is advancing its vision for port-led development by expanding cities around ports”.
He added that India is actively fostering a new coastal ecosystem encompassing seafood, tourism, and trade.
The Prime Minister remarked that significant investments are being made to modernise and expand ports, yielding remarkable results. For the first time, major ports have collectively handled a record 15 crore tonnes of cargo in a year, with Kandla Port playing a crucial role.
He noted that nearly one-third of India’s maritime trade is managed by Kutch’s ports. Recognising the importance of infrastructure, the Prime Minister stated that capacity and connectivity at Kandla port and Mundra port are being continuously enhanced.
Recognized as one of the three major ports designated as a “Green Hydrogen Hub” under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, DPA is swiftly emerging as a beacon of clean energy adoption, infrastructure modernization and regional economic growth, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
PM dedicates projects worth ₹532 crore
- Oil Jetty No. 8 at Old Kandla: With a capacity of 3.5 MMT per annum, the newly inaugurated jetty is equipped with telescopic gangways, indigenously developed quick-release mooring systems, and an automated firefighting system, enabling safe handling of large liquid cargo vessels up to 1 lakh DWT.
- Connectivity to Container Terminal at Tuna-Tekra: Boosting container traffic efficiency.
- Expansion of Port Area for EXIM Cargo Storage: Supporting faster cargo evacuation.
- And other development initiatives to strengthen port operations, enhance community infrastructure, and generate employment opportunities.
Lays foundation stone for projects worth ₹602 crore
- 10 MW Green Hydrogen Production Facility at Kandla: Enabling clean energy and establishing DPA as an emerging leader in the Green Hydrogen sector.
- Construction of 3 Road Over Bridges & Upgradation to 6-Lane at Kandla: Modernizing port logistics and easing city-port connectivity.
“With these landmark initiatives, Deendayal Port Authority reaffirms its commitment to building a green, efficient, and globally competitive maritime ecosystem. Through the adoption of clean energy, cutting-edge cargo handling solutions, and smart infrastructure, DPA continues to play a pivotal role in realizing India’s aspirations of becoming a logistics powerhouse,” says a release.
