The horizons of India’s maritime trade undergo a significant shift as DP World, a global leader in port management, pens a landmark agreement with the Deendayal Port Authority. This transformative collaboration marks the inception of a new era for Indian maritime infrastructure, with the development, operation, and maintenance of a cutting-edge mega-container terminal at Kandla, Gujarat, on the country’s western coastline.
In a ceremonious occasion attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, the concession agreement was formalized. The agreement signifies the collaborative efforts of S. K. Mehta, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority, and Rizwan Soomar, MD and CEO of India Subcontinent, Middle East, and North Africa at DP World.
This transformational endeavor materialized through a strategic partnership between DP World and Hindustan Infralog Private Limited, a joint venture between DP World and the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund. Facilitated by the Government of India, the joint venture operates on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis, spanning an initial tenure of 30 years, with the option of extension for an additional 20 years.
The venture materializes under the banner of ‘Sarzameen’, encompassing the construction of an expansive mega-container terminal at Tuna-Tekra, adjacent to the existing Deendayal Port. Pioneered at a projected investment of approximately $510 million, the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative resonates with the ideals of cutting-edge infrastructure development.
The forthcoming terminal promises to redefine maritime logistics capabilities by offering an annual throughput capacity of 2.19 million TEUs. This state-of-the-art facility is engineered to accommodate next-generation vessels, capable of handling more than 18,000 TEUs, further solidifying India’s position as a global maritime trade hub. With a berth length of 1,100 meters, expandable to 1,375 meters, the terminal is poised to efficiently cater to the demands of modern maritime trade.
Central to the terminal’s efficacy is its integration into India’s comprehensive logistics network. The terminal’s strategic location and its seamless connectivity to roads, highways, railways, and Dedicated Freight Corridors promise to enhance the nation’s trade capabilities. Facilitating efficient transportation across Northern, Western, and Central India, the terminal is primed to elevate the nation’s trade interactions on a global scale.
This venture resonates with DP World’s existing contributions to India’s maritime landscape, as the conglomerate currently operates five container terminals across the nation. By adding the Tuna-Tekra mega-container terminal to its portfolio, DP World’s aggregate capacity will escalate to 8.19 million TEUs, strengthening its position as a key facilitator of India’s maritime trade ambitions.
Furthermore, this landmark project is intricately aligned with India’s National Infrastructure Pipeline and augments the objectives of initiatives like the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan and National Logistics Policy. As a harbinger of sustainable development, the terminal is designed to be fully compliant with green port guidelines, aligning with India’s long-term sustainability goals.
Sarbananda Sonowal, India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in advancing India’s infrastructural prowess. The project’s resonance with the Prime Minister’s Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and its contribution to economic growth underscore its pivotal role in transforming India into an ‘Exports Hub’. Beyond trade, the project is set to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities across multiple sectors, reaffirming its holistic impact on the nation’s progress.
S.K. Mehta, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority, expressed enthusiasm for the transformative potential of the Tuna-Tekra mega-container terminal. With its integration into India’s dynamic trade network and the concurrent expansion of transportation infrastructure, the terminal holds the promise of significantly enhancing the port’s capacity and operational efficiency.
In tandem, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, lauded the strategic partnership with the Deendayal Port Authority. He highlighted the project’s potential to connect Northern, Western, and Central India to global markets, thereby amplifying trade opportunities and enhancing stakeholder value.
This transformational project, underpinned by DP World’s logistical expertise and local insights, aligns with the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’s vision of driving substantial value for end-users. In doing so, the project seamlessly dovetails into India’s pursuit of reducing logistics costs and bolstering its trade competitiveness on the global stage.
In closing, the $510 million investment by DP World to develop the Tuna-Tekra mega-container terminal emerges as a beacon of India’s maritime future. The project encapsulates strategic collaboration, technological innovation, and sustainable development in
