Kandla’s Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) is set to become the first major Indian port to expand operations into other states, with talks underway to manage strategic terminals in Maharashtra and Karnataka, as well as discussions with the Gujarat Maritime Board.

Initially focusing on terminal management, the expansion may later extend to full port operations, embracing both govt-run and private terminals. The move aims to boost throughput, replicate Kandla’s operational efficiency, and decongest ports. Last year, Kandla handled over 150 MMT of cargo, with 60 percent being petroleum, oil, and lubricants, and the rest comprising timber, salt, food grains, edible oils, chemicals, and containers.

To support growing trade, DPA is constructing a deep-draft multi-cargo berth of 18 MMT per annum capacity and developing a 2.3 million TEU container terminal under PPP, scheduled for commissioning by September 2027. This expansion underscores India’s broader strategy to strengthen port infrastructure and trade competitiveness.