Vadhavan Port To Transform Maharashtra Into A Global Trade Hub—Here’s How
Vadhavan Port To Transform Maharashtra Into A Global Trade Hub—Here’s How
Mumbai, July 17, 2025: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Maharashtra Maritime Summit 2025 in Mumbai today, emphasizing India’s strides towards becoming a global maritime superpower.
Speaking at the event, CM Fadnavis said the summit aims to discuss port development, investments, policies, and opportunities in the maritime and water transport sectors of the state. He highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of port-led economic growth, India has laid out ambitious plans through India Maritime Vision 2030 and Amritkaal Maritime Vision 2047. Inspired by this, Maharashtra is crafting its own Maritime Roadmap.
“Mumbai and the Konkan region have a rich legacy of maritime trade, with some ports known for international trade 500–600 years ago. Today, Mumbai serves as India’s financial, commercial, and entertainment capital, and the Mumbai Port and JNPA Port have played a key role in propelling the city to the forefront,” he noted.
He further added that the Vadhavan Port project, currently under development, will significantly enhance Maharashtra’s port capacity, efficiency, and connectivity, making the state and the nation leaders in the global supply chain. Once fully operational, Vadhavan Port is expected to rank among the world’s top 10 ports and act as a catalyst for an economic revolution.
Offshore Airport and Multimodal Connectivity
India’s first offshore airport is being planned near Vadhavan Port, offering seamless multimodal connectivity via waterways, rail, road, and air routes. The Central Government, under the Sagarmala project, is investing heavily to strengthen this infrastructure. Maharashtra is also poised to leverage opportunities in water transport, shipbuilding, and ship recycling.
Highlighting cost efficiencies, CM Fadnavis noted that while road transport costs ₹1, railways cost 30 paise, and waterways cost just 10 paise per tonne-kilometre, making it vital to develop water transport to reduce logistics costs and strengthen India’s position as a global economic power.
The event was attended by Minister Nitesh Rane and senior officials from relevant departments.
