Vadhvan Port Project Ltd has extended the bid submission deadline for the Rs 223.235 billion Hybrid Annuity Model contract for offshore reclamation, dredging and construction of the port's protective bund by three months to May 18. The delay reflects ongoing statutory processes for land acquisition for road and rail connectivity. Officials said the extension aligns tendering with ground access timelines. The Assam chief minister outlined that the award for land acquisition is expected soon but taking possession will require additional time. The planned 32-km highway linking NH 48 at Tawa Junction to the port has been notified as a national highway, with acquisition costs to be borne by Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. Authorities emphasised that the approach road is critical for transporting heavy materials and that construction cannot commence without it. The mega-port comprises three components: near-shore reclamation with supporting infrastructure, a breakwater planned to be the longest for an Indian port, and offshore reclamation for the main port area. Near-shore reclamation was awarded in December 2024 to Cemindia Projects Limited, formerly ITD Cementation India Ltd, but work is limited to pre-construction surveys until land access is secured. There are four bidders for the breakwater while financial offers will be opened only after central security clearance. The largest HAM component covering dredging, offshore reclamation and construction of the protective bund cannot start until the breakwater reaches 40 to 50 per cent completion to provide wave protection. Officials cautioned that premature awarding could lead to idle work, cost escalation and arbitration risks. Vadhvan Port Project Ltd, a joint venture between the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority with 74 per cent and the Maharashtra Maritime Board with 26 per cent, is implementing India’s largest public port project with a projected capacity of 298 million tonnes and 23.2 million TEUs. The port is expected to commence operations in 2029–30, underscoring the importance of coordinated execution and connectivity.