Mumbai, July 1 -- Mumbai Port Authority unveiled projects totalling Rs 35,412.9 million (mn) to upgrade berths, develop a marina, improve connectivity and enhance the waterfront to expand cargo handling and boost tourism. The package was announced during the authority's 154th Foundation Day in the presence of the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The authority said the works will bolster non-port revenue.
In addition to the Rs 35,412.9 million pipeline, seven projects worth Rs 1,322.9 million are ready for inauguration while 34 projects totalling Rs 13,545.9 million await foundation stones. Key initiatives include modernisation of berths at Indira Dock, expanded cargo storage, a new crude oil berth, solar rooftop installations, enhanced surveillance and digitalisation. Officials also outlined plans for the Mumbai Marina as part of eastern waterfront improvement.
The port has moved to monetise assets by awarding clusters of berths at Indira Dock, granting the first cluster of 10 berths to J M Baxi Ports & Logistics and a second cluster of 11 berths to M Dinshaw & Co. The first award is expected to yield about Rs 7,700 million over 10 years and the second about Rs 2,170 million. Lease deals and operating contracts are projected to generate further revenues totalling tens of thousands of million rupees over the next decade.
In fiscal year 2026 Mumbai Port handled 75.15 million tonnes (mn t), up 9.5 per cent year-on-year and the highest volume recorded, accounting for an 8.22 per cent share of major port cargo in India. The port reported strong shares in iron and steel EXIM, liquid bulk and coastal trade and aims to reach 80 million tonnes. The minister highlighted wider maritime growth and said the number of Indian seafarers rose from 117,000 to more than 320,000 since 2014.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.