DP World signed the concession agreement on Friday with the Deendayal Port Authority to develop, a new 2.19 million TEU per annum mega-container terminal at Kandla in Gujarat on India's western coast at a cost of Rs 4,243.64 crore, through a Public Private Partnership (PPP).
The concession agreement was signed between S. K. Mehta, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority and Rizwan Soomar, MD & CEO, India Subcontinent, Middle East and North Africa, DP World in New Delhi on August 25th.
The concession was awarded to Hindustan Infralog Private Limited (a joint venture between DP World and National Investment and Infrastructure Fund) in January 2023 under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis for a period of 30 years with an extension option of further 20 years.
Once complete in February 2027, the terminal will include a 1,100m berth capable of handling next-generation vessels carrying more than 18,000 TEUs.
It will connect to the hinterland through the network of roads, highways, railways and Dedicated Freight Corridors, supporting the growing demand for logistics solutions from across Northern, Western and Central India.
The project is part of the National Infrastructure Pipeline and will complement initiatives such as the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan and National Logistics Policy. The container terminal will be fully compliant with the green port guidelines ensuring sustainability in port operations.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, said, "The Project aligns with our Hon'ble Prime Minister's Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Once operational, the terminal will play an important role in the government's ambitious vision to make India an ‘Exports Hub' as also support the creation of direct and indirect employment in various sectors."
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said, "This will enable DP World to deliver trade opportunities, by connecting Northern, Western and Central India with global markets, thereby driving value for all our stakeholders. India represents a significant landscape for opportunity."
Rajiv Dhar, CEO and Managing Director, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, said, "This project will create significant value for end-users and help the government achieve its goal of reducing logistics costs for trade."
With the addition of Tuna Tekra, DP World will have a combined capacity of 8.19 million TEUs.
