JNPA strives to achieve the benchmark of handling 10 million TEUs.

Sanjay Sethi, IAS, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority

How do you view the progress of India's maritime infrastructure development? What is your Vision 2030 for India and its maritime sector?

Maritime Vision 2030, proposed by the government, is likely to have a significant impact on the ports industry, revolutionizing various aspects of its operations. It focuses on enhancing port infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels, aiming to increase cargo volume by 1.7-2 times by FY 2030 and improve efficiency. This could involve expanding existing ports, building new terminals, and implementing advanced technologies for cargo handling and storage.

Under this vision, the port has initiated various green port initiatives such as launching a Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS), starting Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Facility, plying e-vehicles in the port area, replacing normal lamps with LED lamps in the port area and township as also making provisions for solar power generation.

What are the latest developments and infrastructure expansions happening at JNPA?

The port has been actively exploring various avenues to enhance capacity and improve overall operations. These include adopting best-in-class operational processes, focusing on implementing environmentally sustainable practices to reduce its carbon footprint and minimize the impact of port operations on the surrounding ecosystem, leveraging advanced technologies, and implementing customer-centric approaches. The goal is to improve service quality, optimize turnaround time, and provide seamless logistics solutions to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

The construction work of the coastal berth along with two approach bridges in a backup of the reclamation area of 11 hectares has been taken up while the work to develop a flyover in the port area at the Y junction has already been completed.

Similarly, the project of widening NH-4B, SH-54 and Amra Marg to 6/8 lanes on the boundaries of the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport for a total length of 43.91 km has also been completed. The work was done in four phases.

JN Port has also restructured the container yard. This will help in the optimum utilization of yards and improve the performance parameters.

The capital dredging project for deepening and widening (Phase II) from the present draft at JNPA is 15 m and vessels up to 6,000 TEUs are handled without waiting for tide and 9,000 TEUs vessels using tidal window. The draft in front of berth pocket is 16.2 m. It is studied that deepening the channel for more than 15 m draft is not economical and hence, JNPA is looking for Vadhvan port to avail the natural draft of 18 to 20 m.

How is the Vadhvan port project development works going on?    

JNPA's one of the most ambitious projects, Vadhvan Port is now very much on track. All studies that need to be done for environmental clearance have been completed and the detailed engineering studies also completed. Recently, the Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority (DTEPA) granted NOC to the port paving the way for the development of the Vadhvan Port.

The next step is to go for investment approval, where all the financial and engineering plans, changes in proposed cost/contours etc. are to be approved by both, the Finance Ministry, and the Cabinet. This should happen in the next few months. The Ministry of Railways (Railway Board, Western Railway) and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (NHAI) are working on the connectivity. As soon as the final environmental clearance is received and after receipt of investment decision by the Gol, construction activities can be initiated.

Given the strategic location of the Vadhvan port and its potential to boost trade and economic development, effective governance, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable practices can help pave the way for its successful realization.

JNPA has developed India's first port-based multi-sector operational SEZ. What is the progress of this SEZ and what kind of investments are you looking forward?

As of August 2023, the JNPA SEZ has attracted investments of over Rs 10,000 crores (US$1.3 billion) from several companies. The SEZ has already generated over 10,000 jobs and is expected to create a total of 30,000 jobs by 2025.

It is expected to attract further investments in the coming years. The Government of Maharashtra is planning to develop several infrastructure projects in the area, including the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. These projects will further improve the connectivity and attractiveness of the SEZ to investors.

JNPA has crossed 6 million TEUs throughput in March 2023. What are your plans to further enhance the throughput in future?

In FY 2022-23, the JN Port handled 6.05 million TEUs against 5.68 million TEUs in 2021-22. This performance is the highest at Jawaharlal Nehru Port for any financial year. However, JNPA further strives to achieve the benchmark of handling 10 million TEUs by not only enhancing infrastructure and increasing trade efficiency, but also by working on various aspects like providing better connectivity, reducing logistics costs, decreasing turnaround time, and digitizing the process. Regarding infrastructure capacity addition, JNPA is developing the fourth container terminal, of which Phase I is already operational while the work for Phase II work has begun and is expected to be completed by April 2025. The total capacity of the fourth container terminal to handle cargo is 4.8 million TEUs (2.4 million TEUs per phase). The completion of this project will facilitate JNPA to be part of the 10 million TEU club, with other capacity addition projects like coastal berth and additional liquid cargo jetty.

BOX

Pioneering Sustainability, Efficiency, and Business-Friendly Port Operations

In the bustling realm of maritime trade and commerce, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has etched a compelling narrative of progress and innovation. JNPA's journey stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to fostering sustainability, optimizing operational efficiency, and creating a conducive environment for business endeavours.

Green initiatives: Recognizing the importance of reducing carbon footprints, the port has undertaken several initiatives. It has invested in renewable energy sources such as solar power installations, significantly reducing its reliance on conventional power sources. Additionally, JNPA has implemented energy-efficient lighting systems and shore power facilities to limit emissions from ships while they are docked. The port also promotes eco-friendly transportation modes by encouraging the use of electric vehicles and equipping its container handling equipment with advanced emission control technologies.

Smart port technologies: By leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, and artificial intelligence, the port has transformed into a 'smart port'. Real-time data collection and analysis help optimize berth allocation, reduce vessel waiting times, and minimize congestion, all of which contribute to reduced fuel consumption and emissions. In terms of security, JNPA employs advanced surveillance systems, biometrics, and facial recognition technology, ensuring a safe and secure environment within the port.

Ease of doing business: The port has introduced online portals and electronic documentation systems, allowing businesses to submit documents and clearances electronically, reducing paperwork and bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, JNPA has implemented a single-window clearance system, where businesses can access all necessary approvals and permissions from a centralized platform. This innovative approach minimizes administrative hassles, expedites cargo movement, and fosters a business-friendly environment within the port.

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