Sarbananda Sonowal Announces Major Investments to Expand Capacity at Kandla Port

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has unveiled significant plans to enhance Kandla Port's capacity, with investments exceeding Rs 57,000 crore. The initiatives include a new mega shipbuilding project worth Rs 30,000 crore and a cargo terminal outside Kandla creek costing Rs 27,000 crore. These projects aim to align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Make in India, Make for the World'.

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The shipbuilding facility at Kandla Port will boost India's technical capabilities by manufacturing very large crude carriers (VLCC) or similar vessels up to 3,20,000 tonnes DWT. It will produce 32 new ships and repair 50 old ones annually. Spread over 8,000 acres, it will feature a marina, fishing harbour, townships, and a marine industrial cluster.

New Cargo Terminal Development

A state-of-the-art port is being developed outside Kandla Creek towards Tuna. This new port will utilise a 6 km waterfront and add 135 MTPA capacity to the existing port. The Rs 27,000 crore investment will modernise cargo handling with efficient systems, converting Kandla into liquid jetties for liquid cargo.

The proximity of the new port to the navigation channel reduces dredging needs, enabling larger vessels to dock. This development will significantly cut waiting times for liquid tanker vessels and improve turnaround times for liquid vessels.

Additional Projects at Kandla Port

The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) is undertaking several projects to further enhance Kandla Port's capacity. A mega cargo terminal with a capacity of 2.19 million TEU is under construction at Tuna Tekra through a public-private partnership (PPP). Additionally, a Multi Cargo Terminal at Tuna Tekra is being considered to add 18.33 MTPA capacity.

The new shipbuilding project is expected to create substantial value for trade and employment in the region. Ancillary manufacturing and assembly units will benefit from the marine industrial cluster's operations.

These developments are part of a broader effort to restructure Kandla Port's operations. The new cargo terminal outside Kandla Creek will handle dry bulk cargo with advanced equipment and improved evacuation systems.

The expansion projects at Kandla Port reflect India's commitment to enhancing its maritime infrastructure and boosting economic growth through increased trade capacity and employment opportunities.