VPPL CMD Chairs High-Level Review on Vadhvan Port Progress and Way Forward

Mumbai:

Port Wings News Network:

To assess the ongoing developments and chart the way forward for the strategically significant Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. (VPPL), touted as the 13th major port of India, Gaurav Dayal, IAS, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of VPPL, convened a high-level review meeting on 18 April 2026.

According to a media statement, the meeting focused on key aspects, including the project’s future roadmap, land acquisition for road connectivity, fisheries-related policy considerations, and updates on the Vadhvan Port skilling program aimed at local workforce skill development.

Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Palghar, and Prerna Deshbhratar, IAS, Commissioner of Fisheries, Mumbai, Ravish Kumar Singh, IRTS, Deputy Chairperson, JNPA and CEO, VPPL, were also present at the meeting and contributed to the discussions.

The meeting was attended by other senior officials and representatives from key central and state government departments and agencies, including authorities from port administration, district administration, law enforcement, forest and fisheries departments, as well as representatives from NHAI, DVET, Indian Railways, technical consultants, and other skill development institutions.

Discussions emphasized the need for expediting land acquisition processes for critical road infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity to the port.

The CMD underscored the importance of adopting a balanced approach in addressing fisheries-related concerns, ensuring that the livelihoods of local fishing communities are safeguarded while advancing project objectives.

Updates were also shared on the Vadhvan Port skilling program, which is designed to equip local youth with industry-relevant skills and enhance employment opportunities in the region as the project progresses.

The CMD highlighted the importance of inter-agency coordination and directed all stakeholders to work in close collaboration to address concerns and maintain momentum in project execution. Vadhvan Port Private Limited (VPPL) is the 13th major port of India, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).

Strategically located in Palghar district, near Dahanu, Maharashtra, VPPL is poised to be among the top 10 ports globally. The foundation stone for the port was laid on 30 August, 2024, by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.