The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) has issued a request for proposal to appoint a consultant to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for two proposed ports at Dahej and Mahuva. The move is part of the state efforts to position Gujarat as a globally competitive hub for ports and allied industries. Gujarat's non-major ports handled 488 million (mn) tonne (t) of cargo in FY 2024–25, accounting for around 30 per cent of India’s total port traffic.

The proposed developments aim to enhance cargo handling capacity, strengthen navigational infrastructure and improve coastal logistics efficiency. Dahej is recognised as a key industrial and petrochemical hub while Mahuva is positioned to support agro industrial activities and regional trade. The DPRs will establish groundwork for modern, efficient, secure and sustainable maritime infrastructure aligned with national priorities.

The selected consultant will be required to conduct detailed site investigations and baseline assessments of marine and oceanographic conditions and to plan infrastructure including quay walls, jetties, breakwaters and storage yards. The scope includes financial analysis covering revenue projections, internal rate of return (IRR) and project viability and preparation of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) tender documents for the construction phase. The consultancy assignment is expected to be completed within 24 weeks from the date of award. The last date for submission of bids is April 27 and bid opening is scheduled for the first of May.

GMB has completed a pre feasibility study that comprised data review, site visits, field surveys and stakeholder consultations and preliminary traffic and demand assessments to estimate cargo potential and vessel mix. Bathymetric and geotechnical surveys, including three boreholes, were undertaken along with site topography mapping and engineering studies and modelling to assess marine conditions and breakwater alignment. Preliminary layouts and conceptual designs for marine infrastructure, dredging and reclamation were prepared with indicative capital and operation and maintenance costs and an initial financial viability analysis; for Dahej the work covered its strategic location within the industrial corridor and Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) and connectivity with road and rail networks.