- In a landmark series of decisions aimed at bolstering India’s infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, the Union Cabinet approved several ambitious projects during its recent session.
- Chief among these approvals is the construction of a state-of-the-art port at Vadhavan near Dahanu in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, with an estimated investment of ₹76,200 crore.
- The Cabinet also greenlit India’s pioneering offshore wind energy initiative, earmarking sites off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu for the installation of 1GW offshore wind projects—500 MW each.
- The Cabinet sanctioned the expansion of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi at a cost of ₹2,870 crore.
- The Cabinet approved a central scheme to establish off-campus laboratories of the National Forensic Sciences University in all states and Union Territories.
- Minister Vaishnaw underscored the economic impact of these decisions, noting the Cabinet’s total approvals of over ₹2.88 lakh crore, which also encompass increased Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops in the upcoming 2024-25 marketing season.
In a landmark series of decisions aimed at bolstering India’s infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, the Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved several ambitious projects during its recent session. Chief among these approvals is the construction of a state-of-the-art port at Vadhavan near Dahanu in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, with an estimated investment of ₹76,200 crore.
The new all-weather greenfield deep draft port, to be developed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL)—a joint venture between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB)—is set to revolutionize India’s maritime capabilities. With JNPA holding a 74% stake and MMB 26%, the project will include the development of essential infrastructure and terminals, operating under public-private partnerships (PPP). This strategic initiative is expected to integrate seamlessly into the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, positioning itself as a pivotal hub among the world’s top 10 ports.
Addressing the media, Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the port’s comprehensive scope, which includes reclaiming 1,448 hectares of sea area, constructing a 10.14 km offshore breakwater, and establishing expansive container and cargo storage facilities. Upon completion, the port is projected to handle an impressive 298 million metric tons (MMT) annually, boasting a container handling capacity of approximately 23.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalents).
In tandem with the Vadhavan port approval, the Cabinet also greenlit India’s pioneering offshore wind energy initiative, earmarking sites off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu for the installation of 1GW offshore wind projects—500 MW each. Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the transformative potential of these projects, heralding them as significant milestones in India’s renewable energy sector, capable of meeting future energy demands sustainably.
Furthermore, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth, the Cabinet approved road connectivity projects linking the port to national highways by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. Additionally, rail linkages to the existing network and the upcoming Dedicated Rail Freight Corridor were sanctioned by the Ministry of Railways, aiming to facilitate seamless transport logistics and bolster trade efficiency.
Simultaneously, the Cabinet sanctioned the expansion of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi at a cost of ₹2,870 crore. The expansion project includes extending the runway and constructing a modern terminal building designed to operate with minimal energy consumption, thereby aligning with green airport standards and enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
Moreover, in a move to strengthen forensic capabilities across the nation, the Cabinet approved a central scheme to establish off-campus laboratories of the National Forensic Sciences University in all states and Union Territories. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing forensic infrastructure for effective law enforcement and justice delivery.
Highlighting the economic significance of these decisions, Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that the Cabinet’s approvals, totalling over ₹2.88 lakh crore, also include increased Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the upcoming marketing season 2024-25. These MSP hikes, ranging from ₹117 to ₹983, aim to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and are expected to provide substantial benefits to agricultural producers nationwide.
In conclusion, Minister Vaishnaw reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s vision for transformative governance during the initial 100 days of his new term, highlighting these decisions as pivotal steps towards driving economic growth, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting sustainable development across diverse sectors of the Indian economy.
(With inputs from agencies)
