JNPA charts next growth phase with strategic focus on Vadhvan Port

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is laying the groundwork for its next phase of expansion by aligning its long-term growth strategy with the proposed Vadhvan Port, even as it moves closer to handling 12 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Highlighting the port’s growth trajectory, Gaurav Dayal, Chairperson, JNPA, said container volumes have been rising steadily, supported by sustained capacity additions, operational efficiencies and stronger hinterland connectivity. With existing terminals approaching optimal utilisation levels, JNPA is now planning ahead to secure additional capacity to support future trade growth.

Dayal noted that Vadhvan Port is being envisaged as a natural extension of JNPA’s ecosystem. Designed as a mega deep-sea port on Maharashtra’s coastline, Vadhvan is expected to offer the deep draft and expansive land availability required to handle large mainline vessels and next-generation container ships—capabilities that are increasingly critical as vessel sizes continue to grow.

The development of Vadhvan Port is also expected to significantly reduce India’s dependence on foreign transhipment hubs, thereby improving supply chain resilience and strengthening the country’s position in global maritime trade. Its integration with JNPA’s logistics and connectivity network is likely to help ease congestion at existing terminals, improve vessel turnaround times and offer shipping lines more efficient and cost-competitive services.

As JNPA nears the 12 million TEU milestone, the focus on Vadhvan Port underscores a forward-looking approach aligned with the Centre’s broader vision of building world-class port infrastructure and positioning India as a major global maritime and logistics hub.