Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Announces Major Expansions at JNPT and Vadhvan Port

On August 22, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, visited Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) to review ongoing infrastructure and development projects. During the visit, he announced a significant expansion of the port's container handling capacity, which is set to increase from 7.4 million TEUs to 10 million TEUs by April 2025. This expansion aims to accommodate larger vessels and boost the port's throughput, further solidifying its role in international trade. "Jawaharlal Nehru Port has become India's first 100% landlord port," Sonowal highlighted, marking a major milestone for the port. The landlord port model, where private entities lease port operations while the port maintains ownership and regulatory control, is expected to attract more private investments. This will enable JNPT to handle larger ships and enhance its operational efficiency. In a parallel announcement, Sonowal revealed plans for the upcoming Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra's Palghar district. The greenfield deep draft mega port, designed to be an all-weather facility, will involve an investment of INR 76,200 crore. The project is projected to create approximately 10 lakh jobs, significantly boosting the local economy. "Vadhvan Port will be a game-changer for the region," stated a senior JNPA official, emphasizing the port's potential to create employment and serve as a gateway for increased maritime trade, contributing to Maharashtra's and India's overall economic development. Demonstrating the government's commitment to sustainability, Sonowal inaugurated three newly rejuvenated freshwater lakes at JNPT. Named after revered Maharashtra saints—Saint Dyaneshwar Maharaj, Saint Eknath Maharaj, and Saint Namdeo Maharaj—these lakes will serve as crucial reservoirs for rainwater harvesting and habitat restoration. This initiative is part of JNPT's broader efforts to become an eco-friendly port. Additionally, the Minister launched the