JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust), the number one container port in India, has announced key strategic initiatives as part of their inclusive growth and expansion plans aimed towards driving the next phase of transformation of the Port and to accelerate the overall growth of the maritime sector, in the country.
The new projects include, increasing the draft of JN Port-Mumbai Harbour channel which will enable the port to handle large container vessel fleets of 12,500 TEUs. Other projects are, Foundation laying ceremony of development of Free Trade Warehouse at JNPT-SEZ which accentuates JNPT SEZ as a preferred investment destination and the unveiling of Shiv Smarak which is a recreational facility being developed within 111 ha land under 12.5% PAP scheme, with the focus to promote art and cultural heritage and support in community building which will benefit the society at large. These projects once implemented will elevate the stature of JNPT among the leading global ports and also expand the country’s business capabilities in the maritime sector, making it a preferred market for international trade.
Speaking on the announcement, Shri Sanjay Sethi, Chairman, JNPT said, “JNPT has been a key contributor to the overall economic growth of our country and has evolved itself to be amongst the top 30 container Ports globally. The international maritime sector is evolving rapidly and the business demands are constantly changing and hence it is imperative that we also develop our capabilities to stay ahead in the competitive market. At JNPT we have always been committed towards all round development so that as we progress, we carry the community and the nation too on the growth path.”
Details of the new projects:
Declaration of the increase in draft of JNPT Mumbai navigational channel:
JN Port has deepened and widened the existing channel from 14.0 to 15.0 m draftby which the handling capacity has increased from 6,000 TEUs to 12,500 TEUs. By this JN Port is now geared up to navigate new generation container vessels and will help JNPT increase their handling capacity, facilitate growth of economy of Indian trade through optimal utilization of capacity and provide economic benefits to EXIM trade through faster turnaround time. It will also benefit EXIM members with lower unit cost, direct and indirect tax benefit, increase in indirect consumable spentand incremental regional economic development and spin-off economic benefits. The project cost is Rs.2029 crores excluding taxes.
Foundation laying ceremony for development of Free Trade Warehouse at JNPT-SEZ:
Free Trade Warehousing Zone is a Special Economic Zone wherein mainly trading, warehousing and other related activities are carried on. This Warehouse will be a strategic asset for JNPT-SEZ and the companies investing here because it will provide warehousing of various products, state-of-the-art equipment, transportation and handling facilities for the trade.M/s Hindustan Infralog Pvt Ltd, is a joint venture company between DP World investment BV (DPW) and National Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF) won the bid for allotment of 44 acres of land for setting up of FTWZ in JNPT SEZ. As per the business plan submitted, the estimated investment in the development of FTWZ of land shall be INR 200 crore and the project proposed in phase oneis to be achieved over 2 years, generating an estimated employment for 600+ people.
JNPT-SEZ is a Special Economic Zone project of 277 Ha conceptualized in line with the objective of Port led Industrialization and is first of its kind major port multi product industrial complex in the country. It enjoys excellent connectivity globally and with the hinterlands due to its strategic proximity to JNPort and the Navi Mumbai Airport making it a well-connected and convenient location for investment purpose. The SEZ envisages setting up Automobile, Engineering Electrical, Electronic, Pharma& Food Processing industries. Currently approx. 75 acres has been successfully allotted to 16 companies through tender-cum-auction process in three rounds and the bidding process for 300 acres land parcel is in progress.
Recreational facility developed in the 12.5% PAPs Scheme with Shiv-Samarth Smarak
The Shiv-Samarth Smarak is a recreational facility project developed to promote the art and culture and be an avenue for the society at large to stay connected with the local heritage. The Project will include recreational facilities like green room, amphitheatre and 7000 Sq landscape garden. It will also include Art Gallery with elevated stage for performing arts, mural exhibition and historical paintings on display. The fourth floor has a Deck slab for visitors to view the statues which will be installed on the fifth floor showing statue of ShivajiMaharaj and statue of Saint Ramdas Swami. The entire structure is in Pyramid shape and covered with glass façade andastro-turf.
This key strategic initiative was announced on February 17, 2019 in the presence of esteemed dignitaries Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Shipping, Road transport & Highways, Water resources, River development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Anant Geete, Hon’ble Union Minister for Heavy Industries & Public sector enterprises and Padmashri Shri Appasaheb Dharmaadhikari. Shri Ravindra Chavan, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Medical Education IT and Civil Supplies, Consumer Protection, Govt of Maharashtra & Guardian Minister of Raigad District, Shri Shrirang Barne, Member LokSabha, Shri Manohar Bhoir, MLA Uran, Shri Prashant Thakur, MLA-Panvel and President CIDCO and host of many other key officials from the State were also present at the event.
