Vadhvan Port Project has initiated the bidding process for near-shore reclamation and shore protection works, marking a key initial move towards the construction of a new deep-water port at Vadhvan, located near Dahanu in Maharashtra's Palghar district.

The contract for these works, estimated at Rs 17 billion, will follow the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model. The planned Vadhvan mega port, which will span 1,448 hectare of reclaimed land, is expected to have a total cost of Rs 762.20 billion.

Unmesh Wagh, Chairman of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), mentioned that around 200 hectare of land will first be reclaimed near the shore. This area will serve as a starting point for offshore activities such as breakwater construction and further reclamation. This initial reclaimed land will also act as a base for future operations and will be utilized for container storage, tank farms, and railway lines after the offshore work is completed.

The Vadhvan Port Project is a joint venture in which the JNPA holds a 74 per cent share, while the Maharashtra Maritime Board owns the remaining 26 per cent. The project involves an investment of Rs 389.76 billion for essential infrastructure such as dredging, reclamation, shore protection, and connectivity via rail and road.

A large segment of the project—covering dredging, offshore reclamation, and shore protection work valued at Rs 206.47 billion—will be executed through public-private partnerships (PPP) or the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). The remaining infrastructure will be developed using the EPC approach. Furthermore, private entities operating various port facilities are expected to invest Rs 372.44 billion in terminals dedicated to containers, coastal cargo, RO-RO, and liquid berths.