Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar Visits Deendayal Port, Launches Developmental Projects

Kandla:

Port Wings News Network:

Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India, on 14 December paid an official visit to Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla.

On his arrival, he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the CISF Unit, DPA Kandla. During the visit, Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, Deendayal Port Authority, briefed him on the Port’s strong performance, operational achievements and ongoing as well as upcoming development initiatives aimed at enhancing capacity, efficiency and sustainability.

The Secretary MoPSW appreciated DPA’s consistent growth trajectory and its strategic role in strengthening India’s maritime and logistics ecosystem. A major highlight of the visit was the inauguration and foundation stone laying of multiple landmark developmental projects of Deendayal Port Authority, with a total project outlay of Rs. 193 crore. These projects are poised to significantly improve port infrastructure, accelerate cargo evacuation and support long-term expansion and modernization of the Port.

As part of his visit, Vijay Kumar inaugurated projects like — Reclamation of land for development of a Shipyard Facility at Kandla, Coastal Road Connectivity linking the Port to National Highway141, and Dome-Shaped Storage Godown No. 4, enhancing modern storage capacity.

He also laid Foundation Stones for projects like — Providing and laying of Chemical Product Pipeline from Oil Jetty No. 7 to Y-Junction within the Oil Jetty Complex, Kandla; Upgradation of Fenders at Cargo Berth Nos. 1 to 6 at Deendayal Port; Construction of E-Type Residential Quarters at Port Township, Gopalpuri, Gandhidham; Construction of a Conference Hall at the Administrative Office Building, Gandhidham;

Construction of a New Shopping Complex at Port Township, Gopalpuri, Gandhidham; and Construction of a Police Community Hall at Police Headquarters, Shinay, under CSR initiatives.

Reinforcing DPA Kandla’s commitment to green and sustainable port operations, Vijay Kumar also inaugurated the Fleet of Green VOLVO Electric Vehicle (EV) Loaders along with the Charging Bay, marking another milestone in the Port’s green transition journey.

Further, a significant step towards clean fuel adoption was taken with the award of LOA to M/s Thermax for the development of India’s first 5 TPD Green Methanol Facility at Deendayal Port, positioning Kandla at the forefront of alternative marine fuel infrastructure in the country.

In addition, the Secretary MoPSW attended a Stakeholders’ Meet in the presence of Sushil Kumar Singh and Nilabhra Dasgupta, IRS, Dy. Chairman.

The interactive session witnessed active participation from port users and stakeholders, leading to constructive deliberations and meaningful discussions on operational efficiencies, future opportunities and collaborative growth.