Deendayal Port Authority: A success story of growth, innovation, and transformation

Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, stands as a beacon of India's maritime excellence, evolving from a modest establishment in 1950 to becoming the country’s leading major port in cargo handling. Its journey has been one of resilience, continuous innovation and an unwavering commitment to national economic growth. DPA has embarked on transformative initiatives, achieving new milestones and reinforcing its status as a key driver of trade and commerce in India.

Prime Minister’s vision
Guided by Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, DPA is at the forefront of India’s aspirations to become a maritime powerhouse. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on innovation, sustainability and economic progress continues to drive DPA’s journey toward excellence.

Unprecedented growth and achievements
DPA has consistently set benchmarks in cargo handling, showcasing phenomenal growth in operational efficiency and infrastructure development. The port currently handles over 135+ million metric tons (MMT) of cargo annually. Notably, it is the only major port to achieve a year-on-year growth rate exceeding 12%, a testament to its robust operational strategies.

DPA has achieved significant milestones, including:

Milestone achievements
1. Record cargo handling: In December 2024, DPA achieved a historic milestone by handling 357 vessels in a single month, surpassing its previous record of 354 vessels.

2. Monthly cargo records (January 2024):

• Traffic volume: Highest-ever traffic volume of 13.10 million tons in a month.
• Food grains: Handling 3,99,708 tons of food grains, setting a new monthly record.

3. Green Hydrogen Hub: Declared as India’s Green Hydrogen Hub, DPA is taking significant steps toward leading the energy transition. It has auctioned around 3400 acres of land to private players and partnered with NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd. to establish a green hydrogen ecosystem, Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen & Green Fuels, including hydrogen-powered buses on routes between Kandla and Gandhidham.

4. First major port to handle 100+ MMT cargo for the 10th consecutive year.
Leading the green revolution

As a pioneer in sustainable maritime practices, DPA is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through initiatives such as:

• Shore-to-ship power supply.
• Energy-efficient lighting.
• Eco-friendly dredging.
• Integration of solar energy and green belt development.

Corporate Social Responsibility
Deendayal Port Authority actively contributes to well-being through a variety of impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These efforts span critical areas such as health, education, sanitation and green energy, underscoring DPA’s dedication to holistic community development.

• Schools, colleges and hostels for girls benefit from the installation of sanitary pad vending machines, promoting better health and hygiene.
• In a significant push toward inclusive growth, DPA supports infrastructure development for differently-abled individuals, ensuring accessibility and mobility.
• It actively fosters green energy adoption through solar energy installations and extensive afforestation projects in nearby villages, strengthening its commitment to sustainability.
• Educational institutions have received state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements, including assembly halls, computer labs and paver block spaces, enabling a better learning environment for students.

Testimonials
Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME (Chairman, DPA) shares, “Deendayal Port Authority has consistently exceeded expectations, making it the preferred choice for global traders. Its focus on sustainability and innovation is commendable. Collaboration remains at the heart of our mission—we continuously work with port users to enhance efficiency and unlock new capacities at Kandla Port. DPA welcomes valuable inputs from stakeholders to improve ease of doing business and reduce the cost of operations, ensuring a competitive and thriving trade ecosystem.”

Massive investments to propel Kandla Port’s future growth
In a significant boost to Deendayal Port Authority’s expansion and modernization efforts, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has announced major infrastructure projects worth ₹57,000 crores aimed at enhancing Kandla Port’s capacity and reinforcing India’s maritime strength.

The Mega Ship Building Project at Kandla Port, with an investment of Rs 30,000 crores, is set to revolutionise India’s shipbuilding industry, enabling the manufacturing of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) with a capacity of 3.20 lakh tonnes DWT. This initiative will strengthen India’s self-reliance in shipbuilding, reducing dependence on foreign manufacturers. The facility is expected to produce 32 new ships or repair 50 ships annually, significantly contributing to the "Make in India, Make for the World" vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Additionally, the New Cargo Terminal outside Kandla Creek, with an investment of Rs 27,000 crores, will add 135 MTPA to the port’s capacity, further consolidating its position as the largest cargo-handling major port in India. These developments are aligned with India’s ambition to enhance maritime trade, create employment opportunities, and strengthen industrial growth.

With these transformative projects, Kandla Port is poised to become a global leader in port operations, shipbuilding, and logistics, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of India's economic growth and maritime excellence.

As India moves towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, DPA shares that it is gearing up to play a crucial role in this transformation.

DPA’s unwavering commitment to growth, sustainability, and excellence ensures that it remains at the forefront of India’s maritime progress.

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