JNPA expansion to take container handling capacity to 10 million TEUs: Sonowal

File photo of JNPT

The container handling capacity of Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPA) is set to be expanded to 10 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal said during an event on August 22.

The expansion plans for the port is slated to commence in April 2025, enabling it to cater to the rising demands of domestic and international trade.

JNPA's expansion is critical for India's maritime trade, as it handles more than half of the country's containerized cargo. The expansion plan which is expected to be concluded by 2029, would scale up the capacity from the current  of 6.5 million containers. Sonowal also flagged plans of making the port eco-friendly and stated it as 'future course of action'.

Meanwhile, Sonowal inaugurated sustainability projects within the JN Port complex and attended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony among
JN Port Authority (JNPA), Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and Vadhavan Port to shore up financing for infrastructure projects. JNPA did not disclose the  amount of loan that is to be disbursed by REC.

REC did not immediately respond when reached out for a comment.

Additionally, another MoU was signed between JNPA and Gateway Terminal India (GTI) in an effort to shore up sustainable initiative of the port. Referring to the MoUs, Sonowal said, " These will further bolster the efforts of the Modi Government to propel infrastructure as well as shore up efforts towards sustainability."

Separately, the Union Minister launched the Vadhvan Skilling Program's WhatsApp ChatBot, developed by JNPA. This ChatBot is designed to facilitate access to skilling programs, provide information about Vadhvan Port, and guide users through the process of visiting JNPort.

The move comes amid the central government's push fto enhance workforce skilling across the country as part of its broader strategy to boost economic growth, improve employability, and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.