Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Vadhvan Port on Friday. Located in Palghar, Maharashtra, Vadhvan Port is set to become the country’s largest deep-water port, with an estimated investment of ₹76,220 crore.

Vadhvan Port is poised to enhance India’s trade capabilities due to its strategic location and substantial capacity. It will improve connectivity with Central Asia and Russia, further facilitating trade through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The port is expected to alleviate some of the burden on Jawaharlal Nehru Port, currently India’s largest container-handling port.

The port is anticipated to have a transformative impact on Maharashtra’s economy. Government estimates suggest that it will contribute over one percent to the state’s GDP, fostering growth and prosperity in the region. The port will be integrated with the Dedicated Freight Corridors, linked to the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, ensuring faster and more efficient cargo connectivity.

The Vadhvan Mega Port will be developed in two phases, featuring state-of-the-art facilities. By the end of the second phase, the port will have the capacity to handle 23.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), a standard measurement in the shipping industry for cargo volume.

In terms of employment, the government projects that the port will create approximately 12 lakh direct jobs and over one crore indirect jobs. The Vadhvan Port was designed as a green port from its inception, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, supporting India’s blue economy. It is expected to drive both economic and social development for coastal communities and the broader region of Maharashtra.

Vadhvan Port will bolster India’s maritime connectivity, strengthening its position as a global trade hub. The port is scheduled to be operational by 2030.