Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), which began its ambitious journey in 1989 as a Bulk-Cargo Terminal, has swiftly sailed a long journey over the last Two and a half decade to fulfill the nation's EXIM trade vision and emerged out itself as India's No.1 Container Port. I feel very happy that our dedicated efforts towards making our nation as one of the best destinations in the world trade is proving true, and that JNPT's contribution has been immense to its best achievable level. My sincere gratitude to JNPT Team, stakeholders, Government organisations and Ministry of Shipping for extending all support in making it what it is today.
As you all know, JNPT is on a major expansion drive to become one of the top 10 Ports in the world. From big investment plans to creating mega Terminals to developing innovative ports and progressing international forays, JNPT has been building its capabilities to sail ahead on higher tides. At the same time, we are concerned of natural ecosystem around the port and are responsibly building sustainable plans to ensure future environment.
Recently, JNPT has signed an agreement with major banks for raising External Commercial Borrowing to the tune of USD 400 Million to invest in building infrastructure requirements for doubling its existing annual capacity.
Along docking giant vessels at its port during the year, JNPT has aimed at handling 10 Million TEUs by 2022 from the current highest of 4.49 Million TEUs in FY 2015-16. Of which Port-owned JNP Container Terminal has shown growth over 10% than last corresponding FY. Our Port has maintained its premier position in containerization by having handled over 55% of the country's total major ports volume.
The swift implementation of 'Ease of Doing Business' initiatives have not only provided a business friendly environment to our stakeholders but also improved individual Terminal operational capacities. Today, decongestion of Traffic on JNPT roads is largely considered, by trade bodies, to be a phenomenal achievement for us in easing out container movements. The congestion is a 'passe' now. The last one year has been a great journey for the EXIM trade. And I am very thankful to Industry bodies to support & acknowledge us for their constant feedback, suggestions and appreciations.
The Port has become the first major port to implement most of 'Ease of Doing Business' initiatives that are focused towards reduction in documentation, time and cost, and ultimately help the trade. The initiatives include – elimination of manual Form- 13 & 11 to introduce web based e- Form 13, Inter Terminal movement of Tractor Trailers, Direct Port Delivery facility to all ACP clients without any min. criteria, creation of 2 Dedicated parking plots of 6 hectares each for two terminals, setting up of single-window clearance laboratories and container tagging system et al.
Recently, we have implemented logistics data bank tagging of containers, first time by any major Port in the country. This will help importers & exporters track their goods in transit through logistics data bank service. Another major achievement is rise in number of ACP clients for availing DPD (Direct Port Delivery) facility, which has gone up from 11 in Feb 2016 to 39 in August 2016.
Our efficient team is constantly working on key areas- swifter accessibility to port, faster procedures to move cargo, de-congesting of road traffic, smoothening of transporters' movements, initiating to go paper-less, implementing newer technologies, and so on. We are promptly addressing issues of EXIM traders and facilitating them with the most appropriate solutions along our future plans.
In line with the Union Government's efforts for inclusive growth, JN Port has planned to develop one Satellite Port at Vadhavan, near Tarapur in Thane District and 2 Dry Ports near Wardha (Vidarbha region) and Jalna (Marathwada region) with a view to upscale port-based opportunities and enhance industrial growth in the respective regions. The on-going construction of mega 4th Container Terminal with an estimated Cost of Rs 7,915 crores is on its way. The developers will build 2 kms of jetty in 2 phases, first phase of 1 Km length is expected to be built in November 2017 and the 2nd phase in November 2022 respectively. JN Port has been working aggressively on developing Multi Product Port based SEZ of which foundation stone is laid by our Prime Minster on 16th August 2014, which may bring investments worth of Rs 4,000 crore. The other plan is to deepen the harbour channel from 14 mtrs to 15 mtrs to cater bigger vessels at an estimated cost of Rs 2,029 crore.
We very well realize our commitment to build a strong sustainable business that endeavors to conserve the environment, and therefore, we are working towards a sea-change Green Port initiative that is based on sustainability principles. This initiative protects coastal area growth and preserves life support systems. As environmental protection has been an integral part of JN Port's working principles, more than one third of the Port area, over 900 hectares of natural and planted forest & mangroves, has been regularly maintained by the Port management. In order to utilize natural resources, JNPT has set up to produce 25 MW of solar power energy for meeting its internal power demand. Another plan of development of dedicated coastal berth by 2017, would help in further reduction of carbon footprints through scaling down of the fuel cost and in decreasing load from the road.
We are foraying ahead to become the 'Gateway Port' of South Asia and navigating our energies towards making JNPT the most preferable, economical and green port in the days to come.
ANIL DIGGIKAR
CHAIRMAN