Gujarat resurrects ambitious Port-City Project

Inspired by global port cities like Rotterdam, Dubai, and Antwerp, the Gujarat government is reviving a decade-old plan to develop India’s first greenfield port city. Spanning 500 sq km, the ambitious project aims for completion by 2047, with an estimated investment of ₹1.5 lakh crore. Once realized, it promises to give Gujarat a significant maritime advantage on the national stage. At the heart of the project is a massive port designed to handle 500 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), surrounded by integrated port-related industries, marine activities, residential areas, and recreational facilities. “This is a long-term initiative, and we are currently in the process of selecting a site from four shortlisted locations,” said a senior state government official. Gujarat currently dominates cargo handling at non-major ports, accounting for 66 percent of the total, far ahead of Andhra Pradesh (14 percent) and Maharashtra (9 percent). Between April and October 2024 alone, Gujarat’s non-major ports, including private hubs like Mundra and Pipavav, managed 229 million tonnes of cargo. By 2047, the state aims to quadruple its capacity to handle 2,200 MTPA, solidifying its maritime supremacy. Porbandar, Bhavnagar, Surat, and Valsad are the four shortlisted sites for the planned port-city. These locations were selected based on key factors such as proximity to deepwater access, availability of waterfront space, connectivity to robust road and rail networks, and potential to support sustainable industrial growth. Government insiders say the strongest contender among the four sites is Maroli/Nargol in Valsad district. Bhavnagar’s strengths include its deep draught and strategic location, while Surat — located near the industrial powerhouse of Hazira — finds favour for its established infrastructure and close links to major ports and industries, making it ideal for both industrial and port-led development. Decades-old idea In 2013, Gujarat had first mooted the idea for the development of two port-cities at Mundra in Kutch district and Pipavav in Saurashtra, respectively. GMB had prepared a concept plan for a ₹6,000 crore, 500 sq km Mundra port-city, scheduled for completion by 2041 and capable of housing 15 lakh people. Later, the diversified conglomerate GVK Group had also proposed to