Introduction: A New Era for India’s Maritime Landscape

India’s maritime sector is witnessing a landmark transformation, and at the heart of this change is Gujarat’s Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) at Kandla. With an ambitious infrastructure investment exceeding ₹57,000 crore, Kandla Port is set to evolve into a global hub for cargo handling, shipbuilding, and green fuel innovation. This transformative move underscores India’s commitment to becoming a maritime powerhouse under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.



Record Cargo Handling & Growth Trajectory

The port recently celebrated a historic milestone—handling 150.16 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in the financial year 2024-25. This is the highest ever in DPA’s history. DPA Chairman, Sushil Kumar Singh, attributed this to strong partnerships and unwavering dedication, stating the port is well on its way to reaching 170 MMT by next year. With a 13% year-on-year growth rate, DPA has outpaced the national port average of 4.34%, marking it as India’s fastest-growing major port.



Flagship Investment: ₹30,000 Crore Mega Shipbuilding Complex

A central component of the infrastructure upgrade is a ₹30,000 crore mega shipbuilding complex, envisioned as one of Asia’s most advanced facilities. Spread across 6,000+ acres, the complex will feature:

1. A state-of-the-art marina

2. Fishing harbour

3. Integrated townships

4. Marine industrial cluster

This shipbuilding ecosystem will have the capacity to build 32 new ships and repair 50 ships annually, catering to large vessels like VLCCs and positioning Kandla as a global leader in ship manufacturing and maintenance.

Modern Port Infrastructure & Liquid Cargo Advancements

To enhance efficiency and reduce congestion:

1. A new port is being developed outside the Kandla Creek, utilising a 6 km waterfront.

2. Existing dry cargo jetties will shift to the new port, while Kandla will be revamped into liquid jetties for better turnaround time of liquid tankers.

3. Three new oil jetties and additional infrastructure like Single Buoy Mooring and two product jetties at Vadinar will increase liquid cargo capacity by 25 MTPA.

These upgrades will streamline cargo flow, reduce wait times, and boost overall productivity.

Green Hydrogen Milestone: India’s First Indigenous Electrolysers at Kandla

In alignment with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal recently flagged off India’s first indigenous electrolysers at Kandla Port. Manufactured by L&T, the 1-Megawatt (MW) unit will power a Green Hydrogen Plant that will later be scaled up to 10 MW. This initiative marks a significant stride toward sustainable and self-reliant port operations, reinforcing Kandla’s role in India’s green energy future.



Operational Excellence: Aiming for 'Berthing on Arrival'

DPA is focusing on System Improvement with a strategic goal of achieving ‘Berthing on Arrival’, where vessels face no waiting time. This initiative is expected to:

1. Improve berth productivity

2. Reduce turnaround time

3. Enhance cargo evacuation efficiency

Such improvements align with DPA’s larger goal of modernising operations and supporting India’s aspirations for a future-ready maritime ecosystem.

Conclusion: A Vision in Motion

The ₹57,000 crore investment at Kandla Port is more than infrastructure—it is a declaration of India’s maritime ambition. From green hydrogen innovation to world-class shipbuilding, Kandla is poised to lead not just India, but Asia into a new age of maritime excellence. Business Care Solutions proudly supports and applauds this revolutionary journey as India sails ahead into a brighter, greener, and globally competitive future.