In January 2025, ambitious capacity expansion plans were announced for Kandla Port, now known as Deendayal Port. This development aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World,’ emphasizing domestic manufacturing and bolstering India’s global trade capabilities.
An Overview of Kandla Port
Established in 1931 with the construction of an RCC Jetty by Maharao Khengarji, Kandla Port has grown into one of India’s most significant maritime hubs. Located on the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, it serves several northern states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Key milestones and achievements include:
- Recognized as India’s No. 1 Port in 2007-08, maintaining this position for 14 consecutive years.
- Became the first major port in India to handle over 100 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in a single year in 2016.
- Currently ranked as the largest port in India by cargo volume.
Investment and Expansion Plans
The port’s expansion plans come with an investment of over ₹57,000 crores. The initiative includes two key projects aimed at modernizing infrastructure and significantly increasing capacity:
- Mega Shipbuilding Facility
- Focused on constructing Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) with a capacity of up to 3,20,000 tonnes DWT.
- Capable of producing 32 new ships annually and repairing 50 existing vessels.
- Spread over 8,000 acres, the facility will also feature a marina, fishing harbor, marine industrial cluster, and residential townships.
- New Cargo Terminal
- A state-of-the-art cargo terminal will be built outside Kandla Creek, adding 135 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to the port’s capacity.
- Equipped with modern cargo-handling technologies and advanced evacuation systems for increased efficiency.
Enhancements in Liquid Cargo Handling
The expansion includes upgrades to handle liquid cargo more efficiently by converting existing jetties. This will reduce turnaround times for liquid tankers and allow larger vessels to dock with ease due to the port’s improved proximity to navigation channels.
Economic and Strategic Impacts
The Kandla Port expansion is expected to create significant employment opportunities, particularly in ancillary manufacturing and assembly industries. With increased trade and shipping capabilities, the initiative is poised to strengthen India’s economy, contributing to the realization of an Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047.
Future Developments
The Deendayal Port Authority is also working on several additional projects to further boost Kandla’s capacity:
- Mega Cargo Terminal at Tuna Tekra: Designed to handle 2.19 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
- Multi-Cargo Terminal: Planned to add 18.33 MTPA to existing capacity.
- New Oil Jetties and Ship Repair Facility: Expected to increase liquid cargo handling by 34.5 MTPA.
A Catalyst for India’s Maritime Growth
Kandla Port’s transformation into a global maritime hub underscores India’s commitment to infrastructure development and international trade. With advanced facilities, increased cargo handling capabilities, and a focus on innovation, this expansion will play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global shipping industry.
The Kandla Port expansion is more than just an infrastructural upgrade; it is a strategic step toward building a self-reliant and globally connected India.