India’s Major Port Development: Vadhavan and ICTP Set for 2029 Launch

India is moving forward with the development of two major ports, Vadhavan and the International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) at Great Nicobar, with plans for the first phase to be operational by 2029. Union Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal noted that progress at Vadhavan is rapid, with shore protection projects worth Rs 1,700 crore already awarded. The ICTP at Great Nicobar is also moving forward, with environmental clearance secured and plans for further appraisal and approvals.

The ambitious Vadhavan Port project, approved by the Union Cabinet last year, aims to become an all-weather, deep-draft greenfield port located near Mumbai. With an estimated cost of Rs 76,220 crore, the port is being developed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a Special Purpose Vehicle formed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the Maharashtra Maritime Board. The port is set to handle over 23 million TEUs, solidifying India’s position as a global shipping hub.

To meet the evolving demands of trade, the port’s development is planned in phases. Phase 1, targeted for completion by 2030, will enable the port to handle 6.85 million TEUs, expanding to 23.2 million TEUs by 2040 with Phase 2. Vadhavan Port will feature state-of-the-art facilities including container terminals, multipurpose berths, liquid cargo berths, and more, with a significant investment via public-private partnership.

With groundbreaking infrastructure projects like Vadhavan and ICTP underway, India’s maritime sector is poised for significant growth and modernization. As the first phase of these mega ports nears completion by 2029, the country’s maritime infrastructure will be further strengthened, opening up new opportunities for trade and commerce domestically and internationally.

Source