Gujarat Revives Ambitious Port-City Development Project.

Gujarat to Develop India’s First Greenfield Port-City by 2047

The Gujarat government is reviving its decade-old plan to build India’s first greenfield port-city, drawing inspiration from international examples like Rotterdam, Dubai, and Antwerp. Spread over 500 square kilometers, the ambitious project is slated for completion by 2047, with an estimated investment of ₹1.5 lakh crore. The initiative aims to enhance Gujarat’s maritime dominance within India, leveraging its strategic coastal advantage.

Core Features and Vision

At the heart of the project will be a massive port capable of handling 500 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The port-city will integrate port-related industries, marine activities, residential complexes, and recreational facilities. "It is a long-term project. We are in the process of identifying a site from the four shortlisted locations," said a senior Gujarat government official.

Current Maritime Strengths

Gujarat already handles 66% of cargo at India’s non-major ports, far ahead of Andhra Pradesh (14%) and Maharashtra (9%). Between April and October 2024, Gujarat’s non-major ports, including Mundra and Pipavav, processed 229 million tonnes of cargo. By 2047, the state aims to handle 2,200 MTPA, quadrupling its existing capacity.

Master Planning Underway

The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), spearheading the project, has appointed global real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield (C&W) to prepare the master plan. "The development will span several decades," noted a C&W executive. Four sites—Porbandar, Bhavnagar, Surat, and Valsad—are under consideration based on factors like deepwater access, waterfront space, connectivity, and potential for sustainable growth. Among them, Maroli/Nargol in Valsad district is emerging as the frontrunner.

Historical Context

In 2013, Gujarat proposed port-city projects at Mundra and Pipavav, as well as a later plan at Dahej, which was relocated to Okha. However, these plans never materialized due to challenges like finding contiguous land parcels of 500 square kilometers.

Challenges and Feasibility

Building a 500 MTPA port is a daunting task, but officials believe it is achievable given Gujarat’s track record. The state’s cargo-handling capacity has grown fivefold in the past 20 years, from 84 million tonnes in 2002-03 to 415 MTPA in 2022-23. However, most of this capacity is concentrated in private ports like Mundra and Pipavav, with only 20 of Gujarat’s 48 non-major ports currently operational.

Strategic Goals

The project aligns with the GMB’s Vision 2047 document, which aims to reduce ship turnaround time from 70 hours to 40 hours. Gujarat’s lone major port, Kandla, had a turnaround time of 54 hours in 2023-24, while Maharashtra’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port recorded an impressive 26 hours.

Advanced Infrastructure Plans

The envisioned port-city will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including deep-draught multipurpose terminals, shipbuilding and repair yards, marinas, and water sports. It will also host industrial units, export-import zones, warehouses, hi-tech parks, and cold storage facilities, supported by multimodal connectivity.

Next Steps

Once the master plan and location are finalized, tenders will be issued to invite developers for the project. The proposed port-city represents a transformative leap for Gujarat’s maritime and economic landscape, positioning the state as a global maritime hub by 2047.

HBL