Gujarat’s Ports: Driving Economic Growth and Global Connectivity
Gujarat, a major economic hub in India, utilizes its 1,600 km coastline to enhance trade and industry through advanced infrastructure and supportive policies. The state boasts 49 operational ports, including the central government-managed Deendayal Port and 48 non-major ports under the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), leading in cargo throughput.
Handling about 41% of India’s maritime cargo, Gujarat’s ports are crucial for economic growth and global connectivity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often praised the state’s port infrastructure, highlighting efforts to transform Gujarat’s coastline into a gateway for India’s prosperity, creating jobs and modernizing ports.
When Modi became Chief Minister in 2001, Gujarat’s coastal potential was underutilized. His vision included developing minor ports and modernizing existing ones, with Mundra Port becoming India’s largest private port. This success boosted exports, attracted investments, and spurred growth in sectors like petrochemicals and textiles.
Ravi Joshi, Managing Director of Transvoy Logistics India Limited, noted that port development supports surrounding industries, as seen in Kandla and Mundra. Cities like Porbandar, Bhavnagar, Surat, and Valsad are shortlisted for port-led development due to their strategic locations and connectivity.
Gujarat’s strong road and maritime connectivity contribute to its high ranking in the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) Index. At the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasized the prosperity created through ports under Modi’s leadership.
Local entrepreneurs, like Ajay Singh, benefit from minor ports like Hazira, which enhance efficiency and competitiveness by reducing transportation costs. Traffic at Gujarat’s non-major ports has grown by 5% over the past decade, with the Gujarat Maritime Board handling 449.26 MMT of cargo in 2023-24.
Under Chief Minister Patel, the Gujarat government continues to advance Modi’s vision through the PM Gati Shakti Gujarat initiative, including the 350 km South Coastal Corridor. This project aims to boost industrial connectivity, tourism, and access to ports like Dahej and Hazira, enhancing cargo movement and regional development.
Doubts Revealed
Gujarat -: Gujarat is a state in western India known for its rich culture, history, and economic development. It has a long coastline along the Arabian Sea.
1,600 km coastline -: A coastline is the area where land meets the sea. Gujarat’s coastline is 1,600 kilometers long, which helps in trade and transportation by sea.
Deendayal Port -: Deendayal Port is a major port in Gujarat managed by the central government of India. It is one of the busiest ports in the country, handling a large amount of cargo.
Gujarat Maritime Board -: The Gujarat Maritime Board is an organization that manages and develops non-major ports in Gujarat. It helps in promoting trade and industry through these ports.
Cargo throughput -: Cargo throughput refers to the amount of goods and materials that pass through a port. Gujarat handles about 41% of India’s maritime cargo, making it a leader in this area.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India. He was also the Chief Minister of Gujarat before becoming the Prime Minister.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel -: Bhupendra Patel is the current Chief Minister of Gujarat. He is responsible for the administration and development of the state.
PM Gati Shakti Gujarat initiative -: The PM Gati Shakti Gujarat initiative is a government plan to improve infrastructure and connectivity in Gujarat. It aims to boost trade, industry, and tourism in the state.
