"We Have Already Become The First Indian Port To Have A 10 Million Teu Capacity"

All The Efforts Of Jnpa For Improving Its Efficiency Have Had A Positive Impact On The Exim Trade And Made It More Competitive In The Global Market

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into a fully containerised port. A significant milestone was achieved in 1997 when the first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the Indian port sector was signed with DP World. This partnership, which remains one of the most successful PPPs in the country, will complete its 30-year tenure in 2027. In 2018-19, we were handling around 4.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). However, post-COVID in 2020-21, our growth accelerated significantly. Last year, we witnessed double-digit growth, and the trend continues this year as well. We have already surpassed 6 million and then 7 million TEUs. We are confident of crossing 8 million TEUs next year, and within three years, we expect to become the first port in India to handle 10 million TEUs—both in terms of throughput and capacity.

Q: Over the period how the JNPA has implemented the various initiatives taken by the Government of India in the maritime sector?

A: The Government of India has consistently supported our capacity growth, but the 2016 launch of the comprehensive Sagarmala policy marked a structured push based on five key pillars. The first is capacity expansion. The second emphasises seamless connectivity between the port and the hinterland, ensuring efficient logistics through improved road and rail networks. The third is a focus not only on EXIM cargo but also on coastal cargo, with coastal berth development being a major component. The fourth pillar is port-led industrialisation—the idea being that if there is captive cargo, the logistics cost for exporting units reduces, giving them a competitive edge in international markets. The fifth is community development—ensuring the coastal communities that depend on the sea benefit from the development of the port ecosystem.