JNPT channel deepening project approved [Apr 2012]

In a major decision that would enable even bigger ships to enter the Mumbai port and the Nhava-Sheva port, the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure has approved the project of deepening and widening Mumbai Harbour Channel and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Channel. The Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) and the Jawarharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) together handles the major share of the cargo movement of all major ports in the country. Because of the lesser depth and width of the harbour channel, the ports are facing difficulties in attracting larger vessels.
However, the decision would lead to several benefits like enabling movement of larger ships upto a draught of 14 metres by using tidal window, faster turnaround of larger vessels and reduction of ship waiting time. These will in turn attract international container vessels and enable JN Port to develop as Hub Port on west coast; Increase in traffic movement; and Incremental regional economic development and spin-off economic benefits including employment generation.
The Committee has earmarked an estimated cost of Rs.1571.60 crore with a direct dredging cost of Rs. 1,398.97 crore (including service tax @ 10.3%), Rs. 42.07 crore towards other related items like idle time charges of dredgers, navigational aids, administrative expenditure and preliminary expenses of executing agency, modification of Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) and provision of Environmental Management Plan (EMP), contingency of Rs. 12.68 crore and Interest During Construction (IDC) of Rs. 117.88 crore

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