New Delhi, March 19: The Indian government has made a significant decision to enhance connectivity for the Tuna-Tekra Port in Gujarat. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has approved the construction of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) along with associated roads and facilities. The total estimated cost for this project is ₹472 crore.
This initiative aims to ensure better connectivity for the Tuna-Tekra Port’s mega container terminal and multipurpose cargo berth. The mega container terminal has a capacity of 2.19 million TEUs, while the multipurpose cargo berth can handle 18.33 million metric tons per annum (MMTPA). The ROB is strategically designed to expedite and streamline cargo evacuation from the port.
The project includes viaduct structures, a bridge over the bay, internal roads, and other civil works. Additionally, the contractor will be responsible for maintenance for ten years post-construction to ensure the structure remains robust and efficient.
Minister Sarbananda Sonowal remarked, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s maritime sector is undergoing rapid transformation. This project will bolster port-based development, enhance logistics efficiency, and contribute to making India a global maritime power.”
The proposal was approved following discussions in a meeting of the Delegated Investment Board (DIB), chaired by the ministry’s secretary. The completion of the ROB is expected to significantly reduce logistics turnaround time, improve supply chain efficiency, and accelerate port operations.
Currently, 45 percent of the physical work on the Tuna-Tekra container terminal has been completed. The implementation of the ROB will be coordinated with the terminal’s operational launch to ensure that supporting infrastructure is ready on time. This will eliminate barriers in rail-road connectivity and ensure smooth movement of heavy port traffic.
This project aligns with the government’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aim to position India as a leader in global maritime trade and logistics. Tuna-Tekra Port, located in the Kutch region of Gujarat, is emerging as a crucial container handling hub on the western coast.
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S.C.H.
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