In a significant move to enhance maritime infrastructure and improve seafarer welfare, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shantanu Thakur inaugurated, and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects at Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, on 28 May, 2025.

The event, held in Gandhidham, was attended by Kutch-Morbi MP Vinodbhai Chavda, Gandhidham MLA Maltiben Maheshwari, DPA Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh (IRSME), senior port officials, trade union representatives, and stakeholders. The first major initiative includes the foundation stone for a world-class seafarer building, designed to offer modern amenities and a rejuvenating environment for visiting seafarers.

The second project involves the extension of the railway line by 750 mtrs. from berths 13 to 16, aimed at enhancing cargo evacuation and improving connectivity to Kutch Salt Junction. Additionally, the inauguration of a telescopic gangway at Oil Jetty 7 will bolster safe and efficient crew movement, and the launch of a new fire brigade station inside the cargo jetty area will significantly improve emergency preparedness and operational safety within the port. These developments underscore DPA’s commitment to operational excellence, multimodal logistics, and a seafarer-centric ecosystem.