Coal news and updates

JNPT plans new port on reclaimed land in Maharashtra

JNPT will set up a port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra on reclaimed land through a tie-up with the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). Phase I of the project will entail an investment of about Rs 9,167 crore. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between JNPT and MMB at the ongoing Maritime India Summit in Mumbai, port sources told ICMW.

According to the sources, 76% share of this new port will be held by JNPT and the balance 26% with MMB.
 

Incidentally, JNPT now has 14-15 metre draft while the proposed site will have a 20 metre draft. Therefore, it could draw more container vessels which is now not possible at JNPT. Moreover, this proposed site is well connected by rail and road.

As per the source, the process of preparing a detailed project report (DPR) is being started. After completion of the DPR, it is estimated that 24 months would be required to construct the port. The port would be built on land reclaimed from sea. Initially, 200 hectares would be reclaimed from the sea.

The source said: “JNPT itself reclaimed land of 200 hectares from sea. Obviously, this experience would come handy in this proposed project.

Initially container traffic would be targeted but coal cargoes would also be focused on.