JNPA redefines its stature in the country’s port landscape

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) redefined its stature in India’s port landscape as India’s Largest Container Port as it celebrated its 36th Foundation Day on Monday, May 26, 2025. The commemorative event was held in the august presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Cabinet Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.

The occasion brought together key dignitaries, including the Guest of Honour, Shri Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, T K Ramachandran, IAS, Hon’ble Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shyam Jagganathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Vimal Kumar Srivastava, IRS, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai, ijay Kumar, IAS, Chairman, IWAI, Shashi Kiran Shetty, Chairman, Allcargo Group, Dhruv Kotak, MD, JM Baxi Group, industry professionals, and JNPA employees to celebrate the port’s journey of becoming India’s Largest Container Port and continued commitment to India’s maritime growth. All the dignitaries received a warm welcome from Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson, JNPA and CMD, VPPL.

As part of the celebration, the dignitaries addressed the gathering, highlighting JNPA’s remarkable transformation over the last three and a half decades. The event also featured the unveiling of the JNPA 36 Years Journey Coffee Table Book, chronicling the port’s evolution and achievements since its inception. A special screening of the JNPA Corporate Film showcased the port’s infrastructure, innovations, sustainability efforts, and its vision for the future. The event also witnessed; two significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were signed for the Vadhvan Port Skilling Program.

The first MoU, signed between VPPL and Sahyadri Farms, is intended to develop the skills of rural youth, farmers, and farm produce companies through targeted training under the skilling program. This collaboration aims to strengthen the agri-logistics value chain and prepare local communities for emerging opportunities. The second MoU, signed between VPPL and Rural Enhancers Projects Pvt. Ltd., outlines their intent to participate in the development of a terminal at Vadhvan Port for handling container, bulk, and liquid cargo. It also includes plans to build supporting infrastructure for marine services, intermodal connectivity, and to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem through digital solutions, robust IT infrastructure, and structured manpower training and skill development.

These partnerships reflect JNPA’s vision of building Vadhvan Port as a modern, inclusive, and future-ready maritime gateway. During the event Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Cabinet Minister, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, stated, “My heartfelt congratulations to the JNPA family on completing 36 years of dedicated service. Guided by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Local to Global,’ JNPA has transformed from a port into a powerful engine of national development. Its rise as India’s largest container port reflects the strength of its ecosystem, driven by leadership, innovation, and strong private sector participation. With projects like Vadhvan Port set to place India among the world’s top 10 maritime hubs, JNPA stands as a role model in building a self-reliant, globally competitive maritime sector.

This growth also brings greater responsibility — to lead, inspire, and raise the bar for the entire maritime industry. The time to act is now — with unity, planning, and purpose, India can become a top 5 maritime nation in the world.” Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said, “The 36th Foundation Day of JNPA is not just a celebration — it reflects the nation’s growing interest in the port sector and the vital role it plays in our economic journey. With a 10 million TEU capacity, JNPA is delivering on the Prime Minister’s vision and Minister Sarbananda Sonowal ji’s guidance for a brighter, future-ready India. As 70% of trade moves through our ports, clarity of vision and strength in execution are critical. India’s rise as the world’s 4th largest economy is a result of decisive leadership and visionary thinking, values embodied by JNPA’s team under the leadership of its Chairman.

This is the spirit of Viksit Bharat.” T K Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, expressed, “JNPA has stood out as a shining example in the port sector. Aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Amrit Kaal vision, JNPA has ticked every box — from capacity enhancement and sustainability to digitalisation and port-led industrialisation. With 100% PPP cargo handling, the upcoming Vadhvan Port, the SEZ, and international linkages like IMEEC and the digital corridor, JNPA truly represents a safe, smart, secure, and sustainable model for the future of Indian ports.”

Speaking at the event, Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson, JNPA, and CMD, VPPL said, “At 36, JNPA stands not at a destination, but at a point of deeper responsibility. Becoming the country’s largest container port isn’t just about numbers — it reflects years of disciplined planning, coordination across sectors, and the quiet resolve of teams. Our journey has been shaped by the tireless efforts of our employees, the trust of our trade partners, and the consistent support of the Government of India.” “Our next phase will demand sharper systems thinking, faster decision cycles, and closer alignment with global trade dynamics. We are designing a port ecosystem that can anticipate, adapt, and absorb the complexity of modern logistics. This anniversary is a chance to look back briefly, but more importantly, to recalibrate for the long road ahead,” he added.

The celebration was followed by an Award Ceremony, where professionals from the maritime and logistics industry, as well as JNPA employees, were felicitated for their outstanding contributions and service excellence. The awards aimed to recognise the dedication and efforts that have helped JNPA reach this stature. As JNPA moves forward with its expansion plans and smart port initiatives, it continues to strengthen India’s maritime trade, reaffirming its position as a pivotal gateway to global commerce.