Kandla Port Expands Reach into Karnataka and Maharashtra

Ahmedabad: The Kandla port is on the verge of becoming the first major Indian port to expand its operations into other states, according to sources within the state government. The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) is currently in talks with strategic terminals in Maharashtra and Karnataka, as well as with the Gujarat Maritime Board, to manage operations and replicate the efficiency achieved at Kandla.

The expansion will initially focus on terminal management, with the potential to grow into larger port operations over time, officials said. Sources indicated that DPA is ownership-agnostic, and plans could include both government-run and private ports. The move is expected to increase throughput, replicate best practices, and help decongest existing ports.

The Kandla port handled over 150 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo last year. About 60% of its cargo is petroleum, oil, and lubricants, while the remaining includes timber, salt exports, food grains, edible oils, chemicals, and container exports. To support growing volumes, DPA is constructing a deep-draft multi-cargo berth with an 18MMT per annum capacity for dry bulk, project cargo, and break-bulk cargo. A new 2.3 million TEU container terminal is being developed under a public-private partnership, with commissioning expected around September 2027.

The expansion comes as part of broader efforts to enhance infrastructure, streamline operations, and support India's export and trade ecosystem, the sources said. This strategic move by Kandla port is expected to solidify its position as a key player in the Indian maritime sector and contribute significantly to the country's economic growth.