Lok Sabha Question No. 1049 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-25
Subject: Vadhvan Port Project
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, Shri Ravindra Shukla Alias Ravi Kishan, Dr. Hemant Vishnu Savara

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1049 ANSWERED ON 25.07.2025

## VADHVAN PORT PROJECT

1049.  SMT. APARAJITA SARANGI: DR. HEMANT VISHNU SAVARA: SHRI RAVINDRA SHUKLA ALIAS RAVI KISHAN:

Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state: पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (a) the manner in which the upcoming Vadhvan Port project is expected to position India among the world's top 10 maritime hubs;
- (b) whether any collaborations and agreements have been signed under the Vadhvan Port Skilling Program that aims to develop skills of rural youth and strengthen the agrilogistics value chain;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the details of the Government's plan to prioritise development of tribal, other rural and coastal people of this region particularly in Palghar district and Maharashtra?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

- (a)  The  Vadhavan  Port,  a  deep-draft  port  located  on  the  India-Middle  East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), is projected to enhance India's container handling capacity by 23.2 million TEUs. This new Port development is set to elevate India's position within global maritime hubs.
- (b) and (c) The details of agreements and skilling programmes are at Annexure I.
- (d) Details are at Annexure II.

## Annexure I

A list of Key Agreements and details of skilling programmeare mentioned below:

1.  Vadhavan Port Project Ltd (VPPL) and Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between VPPL and YCMOU.
2.  JNPA  and  Directorate  General  of  Shipping  (DG  Shipping):  An  MoU  has  been signed to provide skill development training to locals and project-affected people in the Vadhavan region through selected Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs).
3.  VPPL and Sahyadri Farms: A strategic MoU has been forged between VPPL and Sahyadri Farms, aimed at invigorating rural  entrepreneurship  and fortifying  the agri-value chain.
4.  Collaboration  with  NGOs  for  Heavy  Vehicle  Driving  and  Mechanics:  Training programs are ongoing for heavy vehicle driving and mechanics in partnership with NGOs.
5.  WhatsApp  Chatbot  for  Skilling  Program:  VPPL  has  launched  a  dedicated WhatsApp Chatbot to interact with the youth of Vadhavan, making it easier for potential candidates to access information and register for the skilling program.

The following initiatives will benefit the development of tribal, other rural and coastal people of this region particularly in Palghar district and Maharashtra:

1.  Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (Tribal Development Mission)
2.  Forests Rights & Livelihood Empowerment
3.  TREE Programme (Tribal Rights Expansion & Empowerement)
4.  Projects under MGNREGA
5.  Zila Parishad's Thakkar Bappa Tribal Settlement Programme
6.  Coastal Community Skill Development of VPPL
7.  Impact India's Community Health Initiative (CHI)

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