Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India, visited Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, on Saturday to review the port’s operational performance, infrastructure development and future expansion plans.
Upon his arrival at the Administrative Office Building in Gandhidham, the Minister was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Deendayal Port Authority Unit.
During the visit, Shri Thakur chaired a comprehensive review meeting attended by DPA Chairman Shri Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Deputy Chairman Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, IRS, Heads of Departments and other senior port officials.
The meeting was also attended by Shri Vinodbhai Chavda, Member of Parliament (Kutch), Smt. Maltiben Maheshwari, MLA, and Smt. Divyaben Nathani, Mayor of Gandhidham, who participated in discussions on the port’s ongoing development projects and future roadmap.
The Minister reviewed DPA’s operational performance, infrastructure expansion projects, capacity augmentation initiatives and progress towards green energy transition. He appreciated the port’s sustained efforts in improving operational efficiency, strengthening logistics infrastructure and contributing to India’s maritime sector.
A key highlight of the review was Deendayal Port Authority’s recent achievement of handling over 50 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in the shortest time among all Major Port Authorities in India during the current financial year. Congratulating Team DPA, Shri Thakur acknowledged the contribution of stakeholders, port employees and workers towards the milestone. He expressed confidence that the port would achieve new records in cargo throughput while continuing to make significant progress in green initiatives and sustainable mobility during the current financial year.
Following the review meeting, the Minister chaired a Stakeholders’ Meet with representatives from the maritime trade, including port users, trade associations, terminal operators, shipping agents, stevedores and other stakeholders.
He commended the strong partnership between the Port Authority and the maritime trade community, noting that their collective efforts and close coordination have enabled Deendayal Port Authority to consistently maintain its position as one of India’s leading major ports.
