In a major step towards enhancing efficiency and promoting sustainable business practices, the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) has invited private participation for the operation and maintenance of berths at the Indira Dock. The authority has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) to attract leading trade partners for undertaking clean cargo handling, marketing, administration and overall management of the berths.
“This is a pioneering and innovative approach by Mumbai to develop sustainable business plans. We have called for EoIs to attract the best available trade partners, including the top players in the industry,” said M Angamuthu, Chairperson, MbPA.
Indira Dock currently has 29 berths, of which 22 are available for cargo operations after excluding those allotted to the Cochin Shipyard and the Indian Coast Guard. These berths, open for handling all types of import and export cargo, handled 5.38 million tonnes of cargo in FY25 through 401 vessels. Iron and steel dominated the cargo profile, accounting for more than 85 per cent of the total traffic.
Under the new plan, private operators will handle berthing and unberthing of vessels, cargo unloading, storage at sheds and open areas, and delivery and loading operations for both coastal and foreign cargo. The contracts will be awarded for five years, with the option to extend for another five years based on satisfactory performance.
Angamuthu said cargo operations in the docks are currently fragmented across multiple agencies such as stevedores, clearing and forwarding agents and transporters. The integrated operations model under the O&M operator is expected to improve berth productivity, reduce vessel idling, enhance turnaround time, lower operational costs and attract additional business. Private operators are also expected to introduce better marketing strategies, competitive rates, optimal utilisation of berths and storage space, refurbishment of storage areas, and mechanised handling equipment.
MbPA has set December 15, 2025, as the deadline for submitting EoIs. Based on responses, tenders will be issued, and the authority aims to conclude the transaction by March 31, 2026.