Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. (VPPL), the 13th major port of India, in a significant step towards enhancing skill development and strengthening economic empowerment in the Vadhvan region, three major initiatives were launched on June 16, 2025, in the august presence of Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
The event was graced by the presence of Forest Minister and Guardian Minister of Palghar District Shri Ganesh Naik, Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Tribal Development Dr. Ashok Uike (virtually), Chairman of the Tribal Areas Review Committee Vivek Pandit, Chairman of the State Agriculture Pricing Commission Pasha Patel, former Minister Ravindra Chavan, Member of Parliament Dr. Hemant Sawara, MLAs Rajendra Gavit, Sneha Dubey–Pandit, Rajan Naik, Harishchandra Bhoye, Niranjan Davkhare, Additional Chief Secretary of Tribal Development Department Manisha Verma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Srikar Pardeshi, Commissioner of Police – Mira Bhayander Vasai Virar Madhukar Pandey, District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar, JNPA Chairperson and CMD, VPPL, Unmesh Wagh, IRS, CEO of Zilla Parishad Manoj Ranade, Commissioner of Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation Anil Pawar, Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh, Additional District Collector Bhausaheb Phatangare, Project Officer and Assistant Collector Vishal Khatri, Apoorva Basoor, Resident Deputy Collector Subhash Bhagde, Deputy Collectors Mahesh Sagar, Ranjit Desai, Ravindra Rajput, along with several tribal community members from the district.
Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. launched the first course on Custom Documentation under the Vadhvan Port Skilling Program in association with the Brihanmumbai Custom Brokers Association (BCBA) on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025. The first batch of the training program has been successfully completed, with 45 students clearing the final assessments. Certificates are awarded to all successful candidates by the hands of Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Further to support local Die makers, JNPA, in collaboration with the Union Bank of India, proposed a cluster-specific scheme with a concessional rate of interest and an attractive interest subvention scheme to provide low-cost funding, enabling artisans to invest in better machinery and scale up their businesses. Subsidised sanction loan letters were issued to 35 beneficiaries, through this collaboration with the Union Bank of India. The benefits are as follows:
- Term loan for purchase of new machinery
- Cash credit available for financing working capital
- Loan available at concessional interest rate
- Subvention of Interest
- Coverage under CGTMSE Scheme
- Reimbursement of CGTMSE Fees
- Triple Insurance Benefit: Life, Accidental and Health
- Concession on processing charge
An MoU was also signed between the Government of Maharashtra, represented by the Additional Chief Secretary, Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department (SEEID), and Vadhvan Port Project Limited (VPPL). The agreement has established a collaborative framework under which SEEID and VPPL will work together as per mutually agreed terms for the Vadhvan Port Skilling Program.
Speaking at the occasion, Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson, JNPA and CMD, VPPL, stated, “These initiatives are not standalone efforts — they are part of a focused approach to align local talent with emerging opportunities. By bridging the gap between knowledge and application, we are enabling individuals to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the region’s economic momentum. The strength of any large-scale infrastructure project lies not just in its physical footprint, but in the ecosystem it nurtures. Through these interventions, we aim to ensure that growth reaches the grassroots, creating long-term value for both people and industry.”
These initiatives mark a meaningful step forward in VPPL’s ongoing efforts to integrate community development with infrastructure growth. By prioritizing skill enhancement, access to finance, and industry-relevant training, VPPL remains focused on building a resilient support system around the Vadhvan Port Project.
