India’s cabinet has approved the development of a new deep-water port, Vadhavan, on the country’s western coast.
Located about 150 kilometers from Mumbai, this project is part of a strategic initiative to establish sea and rail links connecting India with Europe through the Middle East. The port’s construction, with an estimated cost of 762 billion Indian rupees (approximately US$9.14 billion), will commence soon, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2029.
The Vadhavan port will feature terminals capable of accommodating “mega vessels” and handling petroleum, automobiles, and other imports. It is projected to have an annual capacity of 298 million metric tons.
This development aligns with India’s broader infrastructure goals and was highlighted as a significant component of the India-Middle East corridor plan announced during the G20 summit in New Delhi in September.
Information Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the port’s critical role in enhancing India’s connectivity with global markets.
