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The Adani Group has committed an additional INR 42,500 crore to expand Dighi Port in Maharashtra's Konkan region, formalised through an MoU with the state government during India Maritime Week. Operated by Adani Ports and SEZ, the port was acquired in 2021 for INR 705 crore, with an initial investment pledge of INR 10,000 crore. The new commitment is part of 15 MoUs worth over INR 56,000 crore, covering port upgrades, shipbuilding, and maritime technology. Other major investments include JSW Group (INR 3,709 crore) and Chowgule Group (INR 5,000 crore). Maharashtra also announced plans for a water taxi service and a marina in Mumbai, reinforcing its maritime growth vision.
The Adani Group has pledged a further investment of INR 42,500 crore in the Dighi Port project located in Maharashtra's coastal Konkan belt. According to government officials, the group's flagship company, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), which operates Dighi Port, formalised the commitment through a memorandum of understanding with the state government for the expansion of the port and associated activities. Advertisement
The announcement was made during the opening of the India Maritime Week, where Maharashtra's Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis stated that the agreement was among 15 investment MoUs collectively amounting to over INR 56,000 crore. The Adani Group had previously taken over the debt-ridden Dighi Port in 2021 after placing a successful bid of INR 705 crore and had initially committed INR 10,000 crore towards its expansion.
Fadnavis noted that the agreements signed during the maritime event span diverse areas such as port expansion, shipyard development, and technological enhancement. Though he did not specify the implementation timeline, he highlighted that these partnerships will play a key role in transforming Maharashtra into a leading maritime hub.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the state's collaboration with Adani Group involves not just expansion at Dighi Port but also the development of an extensive industrial zone in coordination with the central government. Other notable investments include a commitment from JSW Group of INR 3,709 crore to enhance its Jaigad Port facilities and from Chowgule Group, which plans to invest INR 5,000 crore in shipbuilding and repair activities.
In addition, Synergy Shipbuilders has pledged INR 1,000 crore for shipbuilding operations, while Goa Shipyard will invest INR 2,000 crore in ship repair and reuse. Fadnavis further revealed that the Maharashtra government is preparing to launch a water taxi service connecting the newly inaugurated Navi Mumbai airport-operated by the Adani Group-with the Gateway of India in South Mumbai, marking the first such service linked to an airport in India.
Plans are also underway to establish a state-of-the-art marina in Mumbai to promote water transport and water sports. Complementing these efforts, several MoUs have been signed to develop technology, human resources, and centres of excellence in the maritime domain. Officials confirmed that foreign investors from the UAE, the Netherlands, and Sweden have also shown interest in Maharashtra's maritime infrastructure.
Moreover, IIT Bombay will collaborate on setting up training and skill development initiatives for the sector's workforce. Fadnavis expressed confidence that Maharashtra, working alongside the central government, would build an efficient ecosystem for maritime business operations, emphasising the government's commitment to partner with investors for mutual growth.
The Adani Group's renewed investment in Dighi Port marks a significant step in Maharashtra's ongoing maritime expansion strategy. The series of agreements signed during India Maritime Week reflect the state's focus on integrating port-led industrial growth with global supply chains. With contributions from domestic and international players, including educational partnerships and infrastructural innovation, Maharashtra appears determined to strengthen its position as India's foremost maritime powerhouse.
Source - PTI
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