**Summary:**
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has announced updates regarding the Vadhavan Port Project, a deep-draft port strategically located on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The project aims to increase India's container handling capacity by 23.2 million TEUs, enhancing the nation's standing as a global maritime hub.
Key agreements and skilling programs are underway:
* **VPPL & YCMOU:** Vadhavan Port Project Ltd (VPPL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU).
* **JNPA & DG Shipping:** An MoU between JNPA and the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) will provide skill development training to locals and project-affected individuals in the Vadhavan region via selected Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs).
* **VPPL & Sahyadri Farms:** A strategic MoU between VPPL and Sahyadri Farms focuses on boosting rural entrepreneurship and strengthening the agri-value chain.
* **NGO Partnerships:** Training programs are in progress for heavy vehicle driving and mechanics, conducted in collaboration with NGOs.
* **WhatsApp Chatbot:** VPPL has launched a WhatsApp Chatbot to facilitate access to information and registration for the skilling program for the youth of Vadhavan.
Several initiatives are targeted to benefit tribal, rural, and coastal communities in the Palghar district and Maharashtra, including:
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 Parishads Thakkar Bappa Tribal Settlement Programme
6. Coastal Community Skill Development of VPPL
7. Impact Indias Community Health Initiative CHI
Union Minister of Port, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, provided this information in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The Indian government ministry responsible for ports, shipping, and waterways.
Vadhvan Port: A deep-draft port project located on the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC) in Maharashtra, India.
IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor: A trade corridor which Vadhvan port is located on.
Vadhavan Port Project Ltd: The company in charge of the Vadhvan Port Project. Also referred to as VPPL.
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University: An open university located in Maharashtra, India, partnering with VPPL for skilling programs.
Directorate General of Shipping: An organization that signed an MoU with JNPA to provide skill development training to locals and project-affected people in the Vadhavan region.
Sahyadri Farms: An agricultural company that has a strategic MoU with VPPL to invigorate rural entrepreneurship.
Palghar district, Maharashtra: A district in Maharashtra, India, that will benefit from the initiatives related to the Vadhvan Port project.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Vadhvan Port Project
Posted On: 25 JUL 2025 1:29PM by PIB Delhi
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.
A list of Key Agreements and details of skilling programme are 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)
This information was given by the Union Minister of Port, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda
Sonowal in written reply to the Lok Sabha.
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SR/GDH/SJ/HK
(Release ID: 2148284)