The upcoming Vadhvan Port on India's western coast in Maharashtra's Palghar is set to make India a maritime powerhouse, a strategic affairs analyst has said.
It will be the country's 13th major port after Kolkata, Mormugao, Mumbai, New Mangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Deendayal (Kandla), Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Jawaharlal Nehru (Nhava Sheva), V. O. Chidambaranar (Tuticorin), and Kamarajar Port Limited.
More importantly, the Vadhvan Port will be an integral part of the International North-South Transportation Corridor (INSTC) and the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
The Vadhvan Port project is a major initiative to boost India's maritime strength and global trade, according to international relations analyst Girish Linganna.
He underscored some key points about its impact, during a conversation with Sputnik India, highlighting the main seven:
1.
Improved Maritime Abilities: Vadhvan Port is set to become one of the world's top 10 ports, tripling the capacity of India's largest existing ports. This will greatly enhance India's maritime abilities.2.
Strategic Spot: Located in the Arabian Sea, the port will strengthen trade links with regions like the Far East, Russia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, expanding India's global trade reach.3.
Advanced Infrastructure: The port will have nine 1,000-meter-long container terminals, multipurpose berths, liquid cargo berths, Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) berths, and a Coast Guard berth. This modern setup will make Vadhvan a key maritime centre, handling global trade efficiently.4.
Higher Handling Capacity: With a capacity of 298 million metric tonnes per year, Vadhvan Port will be a major shipping hub, able to handle large cargo ships, reducing transit times and costs.5.
Economic and Job Growth: The project is expected to create around 1.2 million jobs, boosting the local economy and offering new job opportunities. This will support local businesses and regional economic growth.6.
Sustainable Practices: The port focuses on sustainable development, aiming to minimize environmental impact and follow strict ecological standards, ensuring environmental responsibility.7.
Global Trade Hub: Once operational, the port will enhance India's maritime connections and solidify its role as a global trade leader, improving its commerce profile worldwide.Meanwhile, the port will accommodate ultra-large cargo ships, handling up to 23.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit).
Moreover, along with 1.2 million direct jobs, will create approximately 10 million indirect employment opportunities, enhancing both local and national economies.
Besides, envisaged as a greenfield project makes it eco-friendly, which means that the authorities will use sustainable practices to minimise environmental impact.