Is Vadhavan Port India's Path to Becoming a Maritime Power?

Mumbai, July 16 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Wednesday that the construction of Vadhavan Port signifies Maharashtra and India's rapid advance toward becoming a maritime superpower. This initiative aims to be more than just a port; it seeks to act as a catalyst for a significant economic transformation.

“Since Narendra Modi assumed power at the national level and our administration took charge in Maharashtra, renewed efforts have been directed toward Vadhavan Port. Initially, the project was entirely under Maha Port, but recognizing its vast potential, the Central Government became a principal partner,” he elaborated.

During the Maritime Summit 2025, hosted by the Fisheries and Ports Department alongside the Maharashtra Maritime Board, the Chief Minister declared, “Once fully operational, Vadhavan Port will rank among the top ten ports globally. India is poised to become the world's third-largest economy, and Maharashtra is set to take the lead.”

“The nation’s first 'offshore airport' is being established near Vadhavan Port, which will enhance connectivity through waterways, rail, roads, and air routes. The central government is making substantial investments under the Sagarmala project. This presents a tremendous opportunity for water transport, shipbuilding, and ship recycling within Maharashtra,” he stated.

The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to establish a railway network linking Vadhavan Port. The Sagarmala project has simplified this connectivity. A multi-modal cargo handling capability will be developed at the port. Additionally, initiatives are in place to enhance the efficiency of non-major ports, as they contribute significantly to the maritime sector.

“In the future, our focus will extend beyond cargo handling to encompass shipbuilding, ship recycling, and water transport. The potential for water transport in Maharashtra, particularly in the Mumbai-Navi Mumbai region, is vast and can significantly improve citizens' quality of life,” he added.

He mentioned that the Samruddhi Highway has provided rapid connectivity to 15-16 districts with JNPT port, reducing the delivery time for goods from six to seven days to under ten hours.

“Vadhavan Port is also being linked to the Samruddhi Highway through access-controlled roads, ensuring direct port connectivity to 24 districts,” he noted.

Highlighting the Central government’s maritime vision, he stated that India has the potential to become an essential player in the global supply chain. Consequently, the government has developed ‘India Maritime Vision 2030’ and ‘Amritkal Maritime Vision 2047’.

“Our goal is to formulate a robust maritime vision for Maharashtra by analyzing both these visions. All recommendations from today’s discussions will be compiled for implementation,” he added.

“Mumbai serves as our financial, commercial, entertainment, and economic hub. Mumbai Port and JNPT Port are integral in making Mumbai the economic powerhouse of India. These ports have propelled Mumbai to the forefront, and we are now committed to enhancing our role in the global supply chain by improving port capacity, efficiency, and connectivity,” stated the Chief Minister.

Nitesh Rane, Minister for Fisheries and Ports Development, remarked that the Maritime Summit is a crucial step toward positioning Maharashtra as a leader in the country’s maritime sector.

“Our strategy extends beyond mere capacity increases; it emphasizes sustainability. Green logistics, multi-modal integration, and empowering coastal communities are pivotal to our maritime policy. The Vadhavan Port project is the most ambitious infrastructure venture in Maharashtra today. Once operational, it will be one of the top 10 deep-sea ports globally, featuring high-quality container handling, deep-water access, and world-class logistics facilities. This port will revolutionize not only Maharashtra's economy but also redefine India's position in global trade,” he added.

“The Maharashtra government has introduced the 'Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Ship Recycling Policy 2025'. This initiative will provide capital grants, financial incentives for skill development, and expedited permissions for projects,” Rane concluded.