Ports in Kutch

Globalization and liberalization of markets are significantly increasing, making the world smaller as we speak, these advancements demand the movement of merchandise, goods and services, and for the wide range of activities in the logistics sector. Globalization of goods and services is at an all-time high, where foreign industries are coming to countries like India, for all kinds of benefits and in the process opened up avenues for growth. Globalization is heavily dependent on logistics, shrinking the world borders in happening because of the advancements in transportation & logistics. Kutch serves at the for-front of a logistically well-located district of Gujarat, as it has fully functional & capable access to the sea via 3 major ports.

The container business in India is growing at a brisk clip, as importers and exporters are increasingly shifting away from general cargo. Containerised traffic is growing by almost 20% annually, nearly double the global average.

The proposition of developing trade and logistic hub in Kutch seems to be more lucrative than ever because of the following favourable factors:

  • Kutch has a long coastline with a number of minor, developing and major ports with most amenable port conditions.
  • Ports of Kutch are already handling 23% of total port traffic of India and this is likely to increase to 30% by the next five years.
  • It is located midway between the Western and Eastern markets and hence has a potential to act as a transit point for international transhipment cargo and throws off the potential for re-exports to some of the imported items for the vast hinterland to countries in the Gulf and middle-east.
  • Adequate facilities available for handling container traffic (at Kandla and Mundra P&O Terminal).
  • The vast hinterland of North-West India, which can be served best by Kutch ports.
  • Nearness to the Middle East / Northern Africa.
  • Critical multimodal connectivity already existing and also being upgraded.

Under this scenario, it makes sense to develop a Trade and Logistics Hubs near Kandla and Mundra Port.

New strategic trade route

The port has opened a new strategic route connecting Iran, India and Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan, and reflects the growing convergence of interests among the three countries.

Chabahar port is being considered a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with Central Asian countries. Located in the Sistan-Balochistan province on the energy-rich country’s southern coast, the port is easily accessible from India’s west coast and is increasingly being seen as a “counter” to Pakistan’s Gwadar port, which is being developed with Chinese investment and is located at a distance of around 80 km from Chabahar.

An MoU was signed between India and Iran formalizing India’s partnership in the port’s development plan. Following this, on May 23, 2016, a commercial contract for the development and operations of the port was signed between India Ports Global Private Limited (IPGPL) (an Indian joint venture of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and the Deendayal Port Trust [the erstwhile Kandla Port Trust]) and Aria Bandaer Iranian Port and Marine Services Company, for the first phase development of Chabahar port. In addition, a trilateral agreement was signed between India, Iran, and Afghanistan to build a transport and trade corridor through Afghanistan.

Adani Port, Mundra

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) is the largest commercial ports operator in India accounting for nearly one-fourth of the cargo movement in the country. Its presence across 10 domestic ports in six maritime states of Gujarat, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha presents the most widespread national footprint with deepened hinterland connectivity. The port facilities are equipped with the latest cargo-handling infrastructure which is not only best-in-class but also capable of handling the largest vessels calling at Indian shores. Our ports are equipped to handle diverse cargos, from dry cargo, liquid cargo, crude to containers.

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Kandla Port Trust

Kandla Port is the largest port of India by volume of cargo handled. Kandla Port Trust, India’s busiest major port in recent years, is gearing to add substantial cargo handling capacity with private sector participation. Located on the Gulf of Kutch, it is one of the major ports on the west coast. Kandla Port plays a major role in the country’s international trade. Having notched up a string of success, it has emerged as a forerunner and has carved a niche for itself, by its steady growth and economy of operations.

Kandla Port is already expanding its reach to serve more business by expanding its total capacity by 99.7 MTPA over the next 20 years.

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Tuna Port

The Kandla Port Trust decided to develop Tuna as a satellite port in Kutch as to compete with nearby privately owned Mundra Port operated by Adani Group. The Kandla Port Trust has decided to develop a Dry bulk cargo handling facility. Tuna Terminal handles all types of dry bulk cargo including coal, fertilizers, minerals, industrial salt and agriculture products for 14.112 MMTPA at Tuna located at the western bank of Kara creek, about 40 km from the existing Kandla Port in the south-west direction.

The Terminal has a fully mechanized, highly automated dry bulk cargo handling facility with a fully mechanized closed warehouse to handle agro and fertilizer imports. Situated in the vicinity of Kandla port, Tuna has an all-weather berthing facility with a deep draft. It also enjoys proximity to the Central and North-west hinterland of India.

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Mandvi Port

Mandvi port is 60 km. away from Bhuj Railway Station and well connected with the National Highway 8A. Mandvi port is strategically located and well connected with land & sea, as well as rail route, with Bhuj Railway Station just 60 km away. A wharf wall of 245 m in length is available, where sailing vessels and lighters load and discharge. Sailing vessel and lighters can work directly during high tides.

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Jakhau Port

Jakhau is about 120 km from Bhuj, and the nearest railway station is Naliya, which is 28 km from Jakhau Port. The port is situated about 12 km away from Jakhau village. The port is connected with Jakhau village by road. Jakhau port is well connected with State Highway. NH-8A is 27 km from the port. The nearest airport is Bhuj at a distance of 120 km. The anchor point for this port is about 7.5 nautical miles south-west of the entrance to Godia Creek. The cargo is handled in the steamer at the anchor point. Fishing boats and small crafts/vessels can come alongside the jetty during high tide.

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Old Mundra Port

Mundra is connected to Gandhidham by road and then by National Highway. A
broad gauge railway line is available from Gandhidham to Adani Port
(Mundra). Nearest airports are Kandla and Bhuj which is 70 km away from the
port.

M/s Ashapura Minechem Ltd. Has constructed private RCC Jetty of 602m in
length and 10m in width at Mundra Port, which is now in possession of GMB.

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