Deendayal Port Authority Seeks Expansion, Initiates Talks for Port Terminal Operations in Three States.

The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla is on the verge of making history as the first major Indian port to expand its operations beyond its home state. The DPA is currently in high-stakes negotiations to take over and operate strategic port terminals in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

A senior DPA official, who requested anonymity, confirmed the ambitious expansion plan. "We are in active discussions with certain ports in Maharashtra and Karnataka," the official said. "We're also in talks with the Gujarat Maritime Board to take over and collaborate on parts of their business, aiming to replicate our efficient operations from Kandla."

The move would significantly broaden the DPA's footprint by "subsuming some terminals in some of the ports in these states," the official explained. When asked if the DPA would target government or privately held ports, the official stated, "We are ownership agnostic. We can go for government or private ports."

Last year, the DPA handled over 150 million tonnes of cargo, solidifying its position as the second-largest major port in the country by volume. The port narrowly missed the top spot to Paradip for the second consecutive year. By expanding its operations to other states, the DPA aims to further grow its business and operational reach.