Maharashtra’s Maritime Boom: Rs 76,220 Cr Vadhavan Port to Boost Trade & Infrastructure

4
170

Mumbai: Maharashtra is on course to become a maritime superpower with major port infrastructure developments, coastal transportation projects, and disaster resilience initiatives. While tabling the Budget 2025-26, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar emphasized the state’s vision to establish itself as a global leader in maritime trade and logistics.

“The Vadhavan Port in Palghar district will be a game-changer for Maharashtra’s maritime economy. With its world-class infrastructure and connectivity to major transport networks, the state will strengthen its position as India’s leading logistics hub,” Pawar said in his budget speech.

The ₹76,220 crore Vadhavan Port project, being developed jointly by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), will have an annual cargo handling capacity of 300 million metric tons—three times that of JNPA. Cargo operations are expected to commence by 2030, making Vadhavan Port one of the world’s top ten international container ports.

Additionally, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Station and the third airport for Mumbai will be developed near the port, along with connectivity to the Samruddhi Mahamarg, further enhancing Maharashtra’s status as a global logistics hub.

Beyond Vadhavan, Maharashtra is investing heavily in new port and jetty projects to boost passenger water transport, tourism, and cargo movement. Rs 4,259 crore private-sector-driven port approved at Mouje Murbe, Palghar. Rs 229.27 crore jetty project underway at Radio Club near Gateway of India for passenger transport. Jetties under construction at Dighi (Raigad), Vengurla (Sindhudurg), Kalher-Dombivli, Kolshet, and Mira-Bhayander (Thane). Work on a floating jetty at Kashid (Raigad) to commence soon.

Recognising the risks posed by rising sea levels and climate change, Maharashtra has launched an ₹8,400 crore externally aided project to protect coastal districts from natural disasters.

Ajit Pawar said, to promote safe and modern ferry services, the government is introducing a policy for financial incentives for advanced boats operating between Gateway of India, Mandwa, and Elephanta.

The Maharashtra Maritime Development Policy – 2023 further strengthens the maritime sector by offering: Exemptions on ownership charges, non-agricultural tax, electricity charges, and stamp duty for port development. Industrial electricity rates for port operations. Exemptions on passenger and port taxes to boost coastal tourism. Extension of port agreements to 90 years, ensuring long-term investment stability.

With these multi-billion-dollar investments in port infrastructure, climate resilience, and coastal transport, Maharashtra is poised to become India’s leading maritime state. The Vadhavan Port, strategic connectivity projects, and policy incentives will solidify the state’s position as a global logistics, trade, and tourism hub.

4 COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here