New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the new 2.19 million TEU per annum mega-container terminal on Indias western coast Tuna-Tekra at Deendayal Port on Tuesday.
It is expected to cater to trade demand from Northern, Western and Central India, connecting these regions to global markets.
The project is touted as a significant milestone for the Deendayal Port Authority and DP World.
Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority S K Mehta expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, This collaborative endeavour signifies our shared dedication to transforming Indias maritime landscape. The container terminal at Tuna-Tekra is poised to become a key hub for trade, not only in the region but on a global scale.
Commenting on the ceremony, Rizwan Soomar, MD and CEO of Middle East and North Africa India Subcontinent said, We are extremely happy to partner with Deendayal Port Authority in developing the Tuna-Tekra mega-container terminal. The foundation stone laying ceremony is yet another step towards our commitment to building a best-in-class port infrastructure that will connect Northern, Western, and Central India with global markets, drive economic growth in the hinterlands and enable us to grow the trade possibilities for all stakeholders.
The project is being developed through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the Deendayal Port Authority and Hindustan Infralog Private Ltd, a joint venture between DP World and the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, Indias collaborative investment platform and is part of the National Infrastructure Pipeline.
The container terminal will be fully compliant with the green port guidelines ensuring sustainability in port operations by adopting best practices of port environment management contributing towards the long-term sustainability goals set out by the government.
The project aligns seamlessly with the governments vision of fostering economic growth and ensuring Indias competitiveness in the global maritime domain.
It is anticipated to enhance port efficiency, facilitate smoother cargo movement, and drive economic prosperity in the region.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Indias maritime sector, underscoring the governments unwavering commitment to revolutionize port infrastructure and bolster trade and commerce.
DP World currently operates five container terminals in India two in Nhava Sheva, one each in Mundra, Cochin and Chennai with a combined capacity of approximately 6 million TEUs.
The new greenfield terminal at Tuna-Tekra, with an annual capacity of 2.19 million TEUs, will increase DP Worlds combined capacity to 8.19 million TEUs.
Once complete in 2027, the 2.19 million TEU per year terminal will have state-of-the-art equipment and a 1,100 m berth capable of handling next-generation vessels carrying more than 18,000 TEUs.
As part of this concession agreement, the berth can be further extended to 1,375 m.
