Mumbai, June 26 -- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis proposed a dedicated rail freight corridor to link ports with the Samruddhi Expressway during an event in Pune. He outlined the plan as a measure intended to reduce logistics costs and improve connectivity between maritime gateways and inland hubs. The proposal was put forward at the inauguration of Jabil's new electronics manufacturing facility. He presented the idea in the context of the factory opening.
Fadnavis said the envisaged corridor would connect ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and the upcoming Vadhvan Port with inland dry ports and industrial areas across the state. He indicated the link would integrate a larger part of Maharashtra into global supply chains by facilitating faster movement of containers and industrial freight. The approach was described as part of broader efforts to strengthen the state's manufacturing ecosystem. The corridor is intended to support existing industrial clusters and new investments.
He noted that the JNPT handles around 60 per cent of India's container traffic and said Vadhvan Port would be three times bigger than the JNPT and among the world's top 10 biggest ports. Fadnavis suggested the dedicated corridor would significantly lower transport and handling costs for businesses that rely on timely shipments. He framed the initiative as complementary to road infrastructure such as the Samruddhi Expressway. Stakeholders will expect detailed technical and commercial studies before commitments are made.
The chief minister said he discussed the proposal with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who was present at the event, and indicated further consultations with central authorities would follow. The announcement came at a factory inauguration that underlined concerns about supply chain efficiency for manufacturers based in Pune and elsewhere in the state. Officials will need to work out technical, land and funding arrangements before detailed plans are finalised.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.