The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has given a go-ahead to the All-Weather Deep Draft Greenfield Vadhavan Mega Port. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) is planning to develop this project through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).
After this recommendation, a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance is now awaited from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. A JNPA statement said the Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority (DTEPA) has already granted permission for Development of the Vadhavan Port Project.
The project comes under the central government since it is being built by JNPA, a Major port. It will boast an all-weather deep draft facility, aimed at reducing logistics cost.
Upon final commissioning, the new port is estimated to cost Rs 73,894 crores. Of this, Rs 16,140 crore will be implemented by the SPV in constructing basic infrastructure like breakwaters, rail line, yard, and road connectivity, power and waterline, internal roads, and common amenities.
JNPA currently operates five container terminals, each leased out to private sector operators. The Port also has a Shallow Water Berth for general cargo and another Liquid Cargo Terminal which is managed by a consortium of oil sector public sector companies.