DPA Kandla: First Major Port to Go Interstate

Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, is poised to become the first major Indian port to expand operations outside its home state. The port is in advanced talks to manage strategic terminals in Maharashtra and Karnataka and is also in discussions with the Gujarat Maritime Board.

The initial focus will be on terminal management—across both government-run and private facilities—with potential to scale up to full port operations. This strategic move aims to increase cargo throughput, replicate Kandla’s efficiency model, and ease congestion across key maritime hubs.

In FY24, Kandla handled over 150 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo, 60% of which comprised petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL), while the rest included timber, salt, food grains, edible oils, chemicals, and containers.

To support its growing role in trade logistics, DPA is developing a deep-draft multi-cargo berth with an 18 MMT annual capacity and a 2.3 million TEU container terminal under a public-private partnership, slated for completion by September 2027.

This marks a significant step in India’s broader strategy to modernize port infrastructure and enhance global trade competitiveness.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.