In a significant step towards modernising its operations, the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) has initiated the largest privatisation move in its history by inviting private participation in the operation and maintenance (O&M) of berths at Indira Dock. The initiative is part of the port’s long-term strategy to build sustainable business models and enhance efficiency in clean cargo handling.
Indira Dock has a total of 29 berths. After excluding those allotted to Cochin Shipyard and the Indian Coast Guard, 22 berths are currently available for cargo operations and have been opened for bidding. These berths handle all categories of import and export cargo. In FY25, Indira Dock processed 5.38 million tonnes of cargo across 401 vessels, with iron and steel forming over 85 percent of the total volume.
The planned privatisation covers end-to-end operational activities, including berthing and unberthing of vessels, cargo unloading, storage, intra-dock transport, and cargo delivery for coastal and international shipments. The proposed O&M contract will run for five years, with the option of a five-year extension based on performance.
According to Angamuthu, cargo operations at the dock are currently fragmented across multiple agencies—stevedores, clearing and forwarding firms, transporters and others. Consolidating these under a single private operator is expected to streamline processes, optimise resource allocation and improve key performance metrics such as berth productivity, turnaround time (TRT) and overall cost efficiency. This, in turn, is expected to draw additional business to the port.
Private operators are also expected to bring improved marketing capabilities, more competitive rate structures, better utilisation of berths and storage areas (especially inside the lock gate), refurbishment of storage facilities, and deployment of modern or mechanised equipment.
MbPA has set December 15, 2025 as the deadline for EoI submissions. Following an evaluation of the responses, tenders will be issued, and the port aims to finalise the transaction by March 31, 2026.
