Why Maharashtra’s Vadhvan Port may become India’s next global gateway — Adani’s big maritime plans explained

Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ) has expressed intent to join projects worth Rs 53,000 crore at the upcoming Vadhvan port by signing two MoUs with JNPA during the India Maritime Week Summit in Mumbai. The agreements signal APSEZ’s growing interest in major national port developments. (AI Image)

Vadhvan Port will be the first in India to utilise locally sourced coastal soil and sand for large-scale reclamation. The project involves reclaiming 3,500 acres from the sea, with sand extracted from areas 50 km off the Daman coastline. This innovative method supports faster construction and reduced material transport costs. The port is being developed in two phases, with Phase 1 scheduled for 2030 and Phase 2 for 2039. (AI Image)

The first MoU involves participation in offshore works valued at Rs 26,500 crore, including engineering activities such as breakwater construction and other deep-water infrastructure. The second MoU reflects APSEZ’s interest in developing a Rs 26,500-crore container terminal at Vadhvan Port, marking the company’s plan to expand its container handling operations and contribute to large-scale port development. (AI Image)

The signing of these MoUs comes a day after APSEZ committed Rs 42,500 crore for the expansion of Dighi Port in Raigad, emphasizing the company’s strategic focus on increasing India’s port capacity. This sequential investment highlights APSEZ’s ambition to become a leading player in India’s maritime sector, leveraging its experience in operating India’s largest commercial port at Mundra, Gujarat. (AI Image)

If APSEZ succeeds in the upcoming bidding process, it may also undertake the development of the Rs 76,000-crore greenfield Vadhvan Port, which is projected to be among the top 10 ports in the world once operational. This would position India as a competitive hub in global shipping and trade, with state-of-the-art infrastructure capable of handling large-scale maritime cargo efficiently.(AI Image)

JNPA officials confirmed that Vadhvan Port will include nine container terminals, with APSEZ expressing interest in developing one of them. These terminals are designed to handle high volumes of container traffic, providing critical infrastructure for both domestic and international trade and significantly reducing congestion at existing ports near Mumbai.(AI Image)

APSEZ has also shown interest in participating in offshore engineering works, including building a breakwater and other essential port structures. These developments are crucial for enabling the port to accommodate large vessels, ensuring deep-draft navigation, and strengthening operational efficiency for future maritime trade activities.(AI Image)

JNPA clarified that the MoUs are indicative of APSEZ’s interest and do not constitute binding agreements. Each project—whether terminal development, offshore construction, or ancillary works—will undergo competitive bidding, requiring submission of detailed technical and financial proposals before contracts are awarded.

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Over Rs 20,000 crore worth of contracts for land reclamation and surrounding infrastructure development have already been awarded by Vadhvan Port Projects Ltd, a joint venture of JNPA (76% stake) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB, 24% stake). These initial projects include reclaiming land from the sea and preparing the area for terminal and port operations. (AI Image)

Currently, Jawaharlal Nehru Port handles approximately 7.3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), making it India’s largest container port. Vadhvan Port is expected to have three times the capacity, which will drastically improve India’s port throughput, support international trade, and alleviate congestion at existing port facilities in Mumbai and surrounding areas.(AI Image)