Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, visited the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) on Wednesday to review key maritime projects and engage with stakeholders.
Welcomed by JNPA Chairman Unmesh Sharad Wagh, the Minister received a briefing on the progress of the Vadhvan Port project, which is ahead of schedule and poised to boost India’s maritime trade. He also felicitated key officials for their contributions to environmental clearances and public hearings.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University and Vadhvan Port Project Limited to develop skill-based training programs for port operations. Additionally, an agreement was inked with M/s ITD Cementation India Ltd. for near-shore reclamation and shore protection at the Greenfield Vadhvan Port.
During a stakeholder meeting, Thakur emphasized the crucial role of ports in India’s economic growth. “JNPA exemplifies India’s maritime potential. Projects like Vadhvan Port will enhance trade capacity and global competitiveness,” he stated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening port infrastructure and logistics.
The Minister also performed a groundbreaking ceremony for the entrance gate development at JNPA’s landing jetty, featuring recreational spaces, improved access, and passenger amenities. He toured key infrastructure, including GTI terminal, JNPA SEZ, and the Free Trade Warehousing Zone.
