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Essar Ports has received the Letter of Award (LOA) from Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) to develop a multipurpose cargo terminal at Tuna Tekra, Kandla, Gujarat, under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model through a public-private partnership (PPP). The company emerged as the highest bidder in a global competitive bidding process, marking a significant step in its plans to expand its port infrastructure portfolio.
The project carries an estimated total cost of ₹2,276.06 crore, comprising an investment of more than ₹1,552.57 crore by Essar Ports and ₹723.49 crore by DPA. The proposed terminal will have an annual cargo-handling capacity of 18.33 MT, strengthening cargo infrastructure on India’s western coast and supporting the region’s growing trade requirements.
The terminal will feature four berths, each measuring 300 metres, providing a combined berth length of 1,200 metres. Designed to accommodate Cape-size vessels of up to 170,000 Deadweight Tonnes (DWT), the facility will have a draft capability of up to 18 metres, enabling it to handle large vessels and support more efficient maritime operations.
Under the project arrangement, DPA will provide common-user infrastructure, including dredging of the access channel, berth pockets and turning circles, along with a common approach road. The terminal will be developed and operated in line with applicable environmental requirements and the Green Port Policy.
The additional cargo-handling capacity is expected to ease pressure on existing dry-cargo berths, improve operational efficiency and strengthen multimodal connectivity. The ability to accommodate larger vessels is also expected to support shipping efficiencies and enhance logistics competitiveness.
Commenting on the award, Ashish Rajgarhia, CEO, Essar Ports, described the project as a defining moment in the company’s efforts to rebuild and expand its ports business. He said the investment would provide a foundation for its next phase of growth and reaffirm its commitment to developing world-class maritime infrastructure.
V Srinivasan, Operating Partner – Infrastructure, Essar Group, said the company’s strategy centres on expanding its portfolio, strengthening operational capabilities and pursuing opportunities aligned with India’s growing trade and infrastructure requirements. He also emphasised disciplined investment, operational excellence and sustainable long-term value creation.
Essar Ports currently has an operational portfolio with approximately 60 MTPA of capacity across Gujarat, Indonesia and the United Kingdom. The Tuna Tekra project represents a further step in its strategy to expand its port business in India and international markets, while contributing to the development of the country’s maritime infrastructure.
Essar Ports has received the Letter of Award (LOA) from Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) to develop a multipurpose cargo terminal at Tuna Tekra, Kandla, Gujarat, under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model through a public-private partnership (PPP). The company emerged as the highest bidder in a global competitive bidding process, marking a significant step in its plans to expand its port infrastructure portfolio. The project carries an estimated total cost of ₹2,276.06 crore, comprising an investment of more than ₹1,552.57 crore by Essar Ports and ₹723.49 crore by DPA. The proposed terminal will have an annual cargo-handling capacity of 18.33 MT, strengthening cargo infrastructure on India’s western coast and supporting the region’s growing trade requirements. The terminal will feature four berths, each measuring 300 metres, providing a combined berth length of 1,200 metres. Designed to accommodate Cape-size vessels of up to 170,000 Deadweight Tonnes (DWT), the facility will have a draft capability of up to 18 metres, enabling it to handle large vessels and support more efficient maritime operations. Under the project arrangement, DPA will provide common-user infrastructure, including dredging of the access channel, berth pockets and turning circles, along with a common approach road. The terminal will be developed and operated in line with applicable environmental requirements and the Green Port Policy. The additional cargo-handling capacity is expected to ease pressure on existing dry-cargo berths, improve operational efficiency and strengthen multimodal connectivity. The ability to accommodate larger vessels is also expected to support shipping efficiencies and enhance logistics competitiveness. Commenting on the award, Ashish Rajgarhia, CEO, Essar Ports, described the project as a defining moment in the company’s efforts to rebuild and expand its ports business. He said the investment would provide a foundation for its next phase of growth and reaffirm its commitment to developing world-class maritime infrastructure. V Srinivasan, Operating Partner – Infrastructure, Essar Group, said the company’s strategy centres on expanding its portfolio, strengthening operational capabilities and pursuing opportunities aligned with India’s growing trade and infrastructure requirements. He also emphasised disciplined investment, operational excellence and sustainable long-term value creation. Essar Ports currently has an operational portfolio with approximately 60 MTPA of capacity across Gujarat, Indonesia and the United Kingdom. The Tuna Tekra project represents a further step in its strategy to expand its port business in India and international markets, while contributing to the development of the country’s maritime infrastructure.
Safexpress has strengthened its logistics footprint in North India with the inauguration of a new integrated logistics park in Rajpura, Punjab. Strategically located on NH-44 at Gandian, Madanpur, the facility is designed to enhance supply chain efficiency while supporting the growing warehousing and distribution requirements of businesses across Punjab and neighbouring markets. Spread across 2.4 lakh square feet, the logistics park combines advanced transshipment capabilities with third-party logistics (3PL) services, enabling faster movement of goods and improved inventory management. The facility is expected to cater to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers operating across multiple industry sectors, reinforcing Rajpura's position as an emerging logistics destination. The newly commissioned logistics park features a modern cross-dock design that allows simultaneous loading and unloading of more than 41 vehicles, improving operational turnaround times. A column-free span exceeding 105 feet provides unobstructed movement of cargo and material handling equipment, while 16-foot-wide cantilever sheds facilitate uninterrupted loading and unloading operations regardless of weather conditions. Rajpura has witnessed rapid industrial growth in recent years due to its strategic location between Delhi and Chandigarh. The region is home to a diverse manufacturing base comprising agro and food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering, automotive components, packaging, plastics, chemicals and construction materials. Strong road and rail connectivity, coupled with established industrial estates, has made the city an attractive logistics and distribution hub for businesses serving North India. The company expects the new logistics park to address the increasing demand for modern logistics infrastructure while improving supply chain reliability for industries operating in the region. Faster cargo movement and enhanced warehousing capabilities are likely to help businesses optimise distribution networks, reduce transit times and improve service levels across domestic markets. The Rajpura facility also incorporates several sustainability and safety initiatives. It is equipped with modern firefighting systems and trained emergency response personnel to ensure operational safety. Environmental features include an integrated rainwater harvesting system, dedicated green areas and extensive use of natural daylight, helping reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable operations. The inauguration marks another step in Safexpress' ongoing investment in expanding its pan-India logistics network. By strengthening infrastructure in a key industrial corridor, the company aims to improve nationwide connectivity while supporting regional economic development and enabling businesses to access faster, more efficient and dependable supply chain solutions across India. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
In a move aimed at supporting India's expanding logistics sector, Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) and RITES Limited have entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop modern logistics infrastructure across the country. The partnership will focus on delivering comprehensive Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services for future infrastructure projects. The collaboration brings together CONCOR's long-standing expertise in multimodal transportation, inland container terminals, containerized cargo handling and supply chain management with RITES' strengths in engineering consultancy, infrastructure planning, project execution and technical advisory services. By combining their capabilities, both public sector enterprises intend to create efficient and sustainable logistics solutions that cater to the country's growing industrial and trade demands. As part of the agreement, CONCOR and RITES will identify and pursue opportunities related to the planning, design, construction and implementation of logistics infrastructure. The objective is to adopt advanced engineering techniques, streamlined project management practices and innovative logistics planning to ensure timely execution while improving operational efficiency. The initiative also complements the Government of India's broader agenda to strengthen multimodal connectivity through flagship programmes such as the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy. By working together, the two organisations expect to contribute towards lowering logistics costs, improving freight movement and enhancing the nation's overall supply chain competitiveness. Officials associated with the partnership believe the collaboration will pave the way for the development of logistics parks, multimodal cargo terminals, freight corridors and other key infrastructure projects. They added that the alliance represents another step towards building an integrated logistics ecosystem capable of supporting India's ambition to emerge as a global logistics hub through technology-driven and future-ready infrastructure.
