Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), the largest state-run container port in India, is gearing up to transform into a Smart Port within a span of one year, as announced by Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. In line with the government’s commitment to green ports, JNPT will soon initiate the establishment of two green parks at its facility, with orders set to be placed within the next three months.
“Our aim is to develop JNPT into a fully smart port within one year. We envision a seamlessly connected electronic system that offers enhanced services,” stated Minister Sonowal during the 34th-anniversary celebration of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).
This development is part of the government’s broader plan to transform all major ports across the country into smart ports, aligning them with the global standards of excellence. Minister Sonowal emphasized the importance of matching international port facilities to ensure India’s competitiveness in the global arena.
One notable achievement of JNPT is the establishment of 29 industrial units within its Special Economic Zone (SEZ) under the Sagarmala Project. Covering an area of 277.38 hectares, this port-led industrialization plan, based on the JN Port’s land use plan, aims to drive exports, create employment opportunities, attract investments, and foster the growth of captive cargo.
Moreover, JN Port’s efficiency and performance have been recognized internationally. The World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index Report 2023 highlighted JNPT’s exceptional turnaround time for container ships, placing it among the top performers globally. Turnaround time refers to the duration between a vessel’s arrival at the port’s anchorage and its departure from the berth.
In terms of container handling, JNPT achieved a remarkable milestone by managing a record-breaking 6.05 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the fiscal year 2023. This represents the highest volume handled by the port since its inception over three decades ago, indicating a growth of 6.45 percent compared to the previous year’s figure of 5.68 million TEUs.
The progressive initiatives undertaken by Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust demonstrate its commitment to embracing smart technologies, fostering sustainable practices, and driving economic growth. With the establishment of green parks and the transformation into a Smart Port, JNPT is poised to further enhance its global standing and contribute to India’s maritime and trade sectors.
