Government Introduces Rs 2,000 Crore Initiatives to Enhance Mumbai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port Capacity
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Synopsis
On January 21, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced projects worth Rs 2,000 crore to enhance capacity at Mumbai's Jawaharlal Nehru Port, introducing new vessels and boosting operational efficiency.
Key Takeaways
- Launch of Rs 2,000 crore initiatives.
- Introduction of solar-powered boat and tugs.
- JNPA to reach 10 million TEUs by 2027.
- Record container traffic of 7.05 million TEUs in 2024.
- Infrastructure developments to handle larger vessels.
Mumbai, Jan 21 (NationPress) The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, unveiled various initiatives valued at nearly Rs 2,000 crore aimed at boosting the operational capacity at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port today.
In addition to the projects, the Union Minister introduced a solar-powered boat, two domestically produced 70T tugs, and three fire tenders, enhancing the port's safety and operational efficiency.
“JNPA ranks among the leading global ports and stands as India’s largest port, having surpassed 10 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) capacity in January 2025 and is set to achieve a throughput of 10 million TEUs by 2027,” the minister stated.
In 2024, JNPA recorded its highest container volume ever at 7.05 million TEUs, operating at over 90 percent capacity, with an annual growth rate of 11 percent compared to the previous year.
“This is a significant achievement for JNPA and the entire marine sector of India. Under the influential guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has been a focused effort to maximize asset utilization,” remarked Sonowal.
With advancements in infrastructure aimed at accommodating larger vessels, JNPA is set to become a vital gateway for India’s international trade, he noted.
The second phase of the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT), which commenced in January this year, is expected to add another 2.4 million TEUs to JNPA’s total capacity.
Furthermore, the upgrade of the Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (NSFT) in 2025 is projected to further enhance the port’s capacity. With continued growth, container handling capacity is anticipated to rise to 10.4 million TEUs.
“We believe that JNPA’s recognition as one of the few ports globally capable of handling 10 million TEUs is a reflection of the dedicated efforts by the PM Modi government since 2014 to position India’s marine sector among the world’s top marine nations,” stated the Union Minister.
