Dighi Port is planning capacity expansion including construction of five multi-purpose berths and free trade warehousing zones with a total investment of Rs.1,200 crore.

Dighi Port is the first private sector minor port in Maharashtra to secure environmental clearance from the environment ministry.

The Port will hold 51 per cent equity while 11 per cent will be with MMB. IL&FS will hold 15 per cent stake and will syndicate necessary debts from financial institutions and bankers.

Dighi is in talks with several port users for strategic partnership for the remaining stake in the proposed expansion programme which would develop liquid berth, coal berth, break bulk berth and multi-purpose berth with a draught of 12 metre.

Dighi Port has also secured in-principle clearance from Konkan Rail Corporation (KRCL) for rail connectivity project which would link Dighi to the Mangaon rail station.

The port has tied up with IL&FS as developer and SSKI as equity advisor.

Phase I would involve rail connectivity project, which will be developed in an area of 1,000 acres of land. The techno-economic feasibility study for the rail connectivity project has already been completed. Work on Phase I is scheduled for completion by 2008.

Under Phase II, the port would set up a dedicated container and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at a total cost ranging between Rs.3,500 crore to Rs.4,000 crore. Work on Phase II is expected to commence by 2009.

Dighi Port, a joint sector initiative with the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), is expected to handle 15 million tonne of traffic. The port would primarily handle minerals, coal, break bulk, liquid cargo among others and would cover hinterland industrial areas such as Khopoli, Mahad, Roha, Patalganga, Nagothane and Pune.

Also See:

Concession agreement for Dighi port signed (15-Jul-03)