APSEZ to invest Rs 575.94 billion to expand Mundra port

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) is expected to invest nearly Rs 575.94 billion in order to expand the capacity of Mundra port in Gujarat. APSEZ has reportedly applied for environmental and coastal regulation zone (CRZ) clearances for raising the capacity of India’s biggest commercial port at Mundra by 385 MT. At present, the port has an approval of handling 225 MT.The proposed expansion of Mundra’s waterfront development plan (WFDP) reportedly includes extending the quay length by another 14,470 m, augmenting back-up facilities for handling multi-purpose, liquid, gas and cryogenic cargo. Besides, it also involves extending the eastern and western breakwater by 500 m each in the south port, and constructing a 5,000 m-long breakwater on the eastern side of west port. It necessitates dredging of some 350 million cu m of sand and other materials from the sea bed.The expansion is expected to be undertaken within an approved area of 5,170 hectare of waterfront development plan, according to APSEZ’s application, which was filed with the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the ministry of environment, forest and climate change.Also, maximum utilisation of the marine development potential is necessary for the expansion of WFDP plan. The expansion plan is expected to be developed with those flexibilities to accommodate berths and storage facilities as multi-purpose. The expansion plan is expected to consist of berths at various locations, material handling area, cargo storage area, operational and utility area, internal connectivity, drainage, greenbelt and various utilities, amenities and bunkering facilities.