Vadhvan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a joint venture between the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) formed to develop Vadhvan Port, has awarded a ₹1648 crore (US$ 198 million) Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for near-shore reclamation and shore protection at the Greenfield Vadhvan Port to ITD Cementation India Ltd.
The project involves reclaiming 200 hectares of near-shore land, a major component for other development stages of the project such as the development of the loading points and other critical infrastructure. The tender, which was open from October 22 to December 19, 2024, attracted three bids, including those from Infra Construction Ltd. in JV with TIPL and Navayuga Engineering Company Ltd. VPPL said that ITD Cementation India Ltd. was selected as the lowest bidder after meeting all qualifications. The contract is 6.892% below the estimated cost of ₹1770 crore, which VPPL described as “reasonable and workable.”
Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman of JNPA and CMD of VPPL, called the contract a key step in building the port’s core infrastructure. “The near-shore reclamation will provide a solid foundation for future phases of the project, ensuring we move forward with a strong and sustainable base. As we step into 2025, we look forward to accelerating the work and making steady progress toward our goals.”
The Vadhvan Port Project, launched in August 2024 with the foundation stone laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to become India’s largest port. Located near Dahanu, Maharashtra, the ₹762 billion (US$9.14 billion) project will feature a 20-metre natural draft, allowing it to accommodate the world’s largest vessels. The development will be completed in two phases: Phase 1 by 2029 and Phase 2 by 2039. The port will include nine container terminals, multipurpose berths, and a dedicated Coast Guard berth, with connections to major highways and a freight railway corridor.