JNPA to Issue EoI for Dredging and Reclamation of Vadhavan Port Under PPP HAM Model.

In response to a last-minute change incorporated by the Cabinet in June, the state-run Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) will issue an expression of interest (EoI) on Tuesday to select a private partner for the development and maintenance of dredging, offshore reclamation, and shore protection works for the Vadhavan port project. This initiative, valued at Rs 20,647 crores, will be conducted under a public-private-partnership (PPP) using the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), according to government sources.

The new deep draft port's basic infrastructure—including dredging, reclamation, shore protection works, breakwater, approach trestle, rail and road connectivity, land acquisition, and other common utilities—requires an investment of Rs. 38,976 crores.

Initially, the plan was to undertake all core infrastructure works via the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) route, funded by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), the port's promoters. Indian Railways and the National Highways Authority of India were set to develop the rail and road connectivity, respectively.

This plan was cleared by the Public Investment Board (PIB), headed by Finance and Expenditure Secretary T V Somanathan, on February 16 and subsequently recommended to the Cabinet for approval.

ET