Road Link to Vadhvan Port to Be Built Under EPC Mode.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will construct a Rs. 2,881 crore road link to the planned Vadhvan port in Maharashtra under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model. The road link will later be monetized through the toll-operate-transfer (TOT) route as traffic volumes increase after the port becomes operational.

This decision was made at a meeting on December 9, chaired by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. During the meeting, it was noted that the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Toll model might not be feasible initially due to low traffic flows before the port starts operations. Traffic volumes are expected to increase only after the port’s first phase opens in 2029-30. The road link will eventually be monetized through the TOT model as traffic builds up with the port's development.

NHAI was instructed to submit the proposal for approval to Minister Gadkari, with the construction work on the highway set to begin in May 2025. The road will initially be a four-lane highway, which will later be expanded to eight lanes once the port begins operations. However, all bridges, structures, and tunnels will be built with an eight-lane configuration from the outset to ensure future expansion capabilities.

The meeting also confirmed that land acquisition for both the road and rail links to the Vadhvan port would be completed by March 2025. The new road connection will significantly improve logistics and transportation efficiency for the port.

The Vadhvan port project is expected to be the largest deep-water port in India, and its development is a key priority for the Indian government. The road link and associated infrastructure are expected to play a crucial role in reducing logistical costs and enhancing connectivity for the port, expected to handle significant traffic in the years ahead.

In addition, Gadkari directed the identification of 150-200 acres of land for a multi-modal logistics park (MMLP) near the road/rail link, further strengthening the region’s logistics network. The first phase of the port is expected to be completed by 2029-30, and the port's continued development will contribute to reducing transportation costs and supporting regional economic growth.

ET