UAE-based logistics giant DP World has won a major concession to develop, operate and maintain a massive container terminal at the port of Deendayal in India's west coast state of Gujarat.
The contract was awarded by the Port of Deendayal Authority on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis. The project involves a public-private partnership (PPP) in Tuna-Tekr to build a large container terminal.
the terminal will include a 1,100-meter berth and will be able to handle vessels carrying more than 18,000 TEUs. The total capacity is 20000 TEUs.
once completed, the terminal will help unlock future container shipping growth in India, cater for imports and exports in North, West and Central India, reduce logistics costs and improve efficiency throughout the supply chain.
The project is to complement Government of India initiatives such as Prime Minister Gathi Shakti Master Plan and National Logistics Policy, which aims to focus more on the development of intermodal logistics infrastructure for economic growth.
"India represents an important opportunity landscape. As the value chain becomes more integrated, there are significant growth opportunities across the Indian ports and logistics sector. With the development of the large container terminal at Tuna Tekr in Gujarat, DP World is well positioned to seize these opportunities to further connect North, West and Central India to global trade and bring value to all our stakeholders. This is another step in our joint efforts with the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund to leverage our expertise in logistics infrastructure and local knowledge to further strengthen supply chains in India, "said Sultan Ahmed Bin, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, Sulayem.
"We are proud to be working with the Port of Deendayal Authority to develop this new large container terminal in Tuna-Tekra. We are confident that our deep expertise in developing critical infrastructure under public-private partnerships will bring value to all stakeholders involved in the project. We remain keen to continue to play a significant role in developing world-leading assets to enable trade flows in India's key markets, "added Rizwan Soomar, CEO and Managing Director, DP World India Subcontinent and Sub-Saharan Africa.
new terminal will be built on an area of about 63 hectares and equipped with the most modern facilities and equipment. The terminal will be closely linked to the hinterland by a network of roads, highways, railways and dedicated freight corridors.
DP World's strategic investment in the country's ports and terminals is in line with the Indian government's 2047 vision, which aims to quadruple the country's port handling capacity.
Dubai World already operates five marine terminals-two in Mumbai and one each in Mundra, Cochin and Chennai-with a total capacity of about 60000 TEUs, together with the Tuna Tekra Container Terminal, DP World will have a capacity of 80000 TEUs.
In addition, there are seven intermodal inland terminals connected to the Dubai World Ports Group's rail network, refrigeration facilities and container freight terminals. It is also developing three economic zones in Mumbai, Cochin and Chennai.
Forwardernet.com