Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has secured environmental and coastal regulation zone clearances from the Centre to significantly expand the capacity of the Mundra port. This ambitious project, valued at Rs 45,000 crore, aims to nearly double the port’s capacity to 514 million tonnes.
The recent approvals pave the way for APSEZ to enhance Mundra’s capacity from the existing 225 million tonnes to 514 million tonnes, as reported. The expansion project covers an area of 3,335 hectares and is designed to accommodate a variety of cargo types, including multi-purpose, liquid, gas, and cryogenic cargo.
This substantial increase in capacity is expected to strengthen APSEZ’s position in negotiations with the Gujarat government regarding the extension of the concession period for the Mundra port. The current concession, set to expire in 2031 after a 30-year term, may be renegotiated to reflect the enhanced operational capabilities and strategic importance of the expanded port.
APSEZ’s application to the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change detailed the plan to increase Mundra’s capacity by 289 million tonnes. The EAC has endorsed the expansion proposal, and final approval from the ministry is anticipated as a formality, according to industry reports.
Located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, Mundra port currently boasts the capacity and environmental clearances to handle 225 million tonnes of cargo annually, including 9.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The proposed expansion will further solidify Mundra’s status as a critical hub in India’s maritime infrastructure, capable of handling diverse cargo requirements and supporting the nation’s economic growth.
The expansion of Mundra port underscores APSEZ’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure to meet growing demands and reinforces its position as a leader in the Indian port sector.
