India’s port infrastructure is heating up — and the latest battlefront is Tuna Tekra, Gujarat.
Top players like Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, Vedanta Ltd, Essar Ports Ltd, and Gautam Freight Pvt Ltd have submitted initial bids for developing a multipurpose cargo berth at Tuna, Deendayal Port Authority’s key satellite facility.
This ₹1,552.57 crore (₹15.5 billion) project will boost India’s cargo handling capacity by 18.33 million tonnes annually, excluding containers and liquid cargo.
In a bid to secure the project, bidders are competing on the highest royalty per tonne of cargo handled, making this the port authority’s third attempt to attract private investment for this crucial berth.
Once completed, this modern terminal will accommodate large vessels of up to 100,000 DWT with 15m draft, handle diverse dry cargo — from food grains to steel — and ease the pressure on Deendayal Port’s already stretched dry cargo handling facilities.
Key Features & Project Highlights:
- Estimated Project Cost: ₹1,552.57 crore (₹15.5 billion)
- Location: Tuna Tekra, satellite port of Deendayal Port (Kandla), Gujarat
- Capacity: 18.33 million tonnes per year (dry cargo excluding liquid and containers)
- Cargo Types: Food grains, fertilizers, coal, ores, minerals, steel, and other bulk cargo
- Vessel Size: Accommodates ships up to 100,000 DWT, 15m draft
- Technology & Policy Innovation
- Award Criteria: Highest royalty per tonne to Deendayal Port Authority
- Tariff Control: Full flexibility for the operator to fix market-driven rates
Infrastructure Commitments for Successful Bidder:
- Construct the berth and approach trestle
- Install mechanized cargo handling systems
- Build utility corridors and railroad connectivity
- Develop rail loading yard and backup areas
Dredging Responsibilities:
- Port Authority to fund capital and maintenance dredging up to 15m depth
- Deeper dredging (up to 18m) to be cost-shared or fully borne by the private operator for their specific deeper draft needs
Additional Approvals:
- Environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance secured
Why This Matters:
Deendayal Port is the gateway for Northern India’s vast land-locked states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. This project is critical to reduce congestion and meet the growing demand for dry bulk handling.
