Mumbai Port Seeks Nod to Reclaim Sea at Jawahar Dweep

16 Sep 2025 CW Team

The Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) has proposed reclaiming 4.14 hectares of sea at Jawahar Dweep, also known as Butcher Island, to build additional crude oil storage facilities. The proposal, which will be placed before the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority for clearance, aims to improve turnaround times for ships handling petroleum and chemical cargo.

Officials argue that the move is essential, as liquid petroleum and chemicals account for nearly 70 per cent of the port’s cargo. Currently, oil unloaded at Mumbai Port is piped to refineries in Mahul, but limited storage capacity has been slowing operations. The first phase of reclamation will require about three lakh cubic metres of soil, which officials said would be sourced from excavated material from the Mumbai coastal road tunnel project.

The cost of reclamation is estimated at Rs 25 crore, with the facility expected to be ready in two years. Officials said the project would enhance efficiency and strengthen Mumbai Port’s standing as India’s largest bulk cargo port, which already handles 8.61 per cent of the nation’s seaborne trade.

However, environmental groups have opposed the move. Activist D Stalin of NGO Vanshakti said, “Instead of reclaiming the sea, MbPA should use its vast tracts of unused land. These actions will increase the pressure on Mumbai’s shoreline and heighten the risk of flooding.”

Despite these concerns, MbPA maintains that the expansion is crucial to meet the growing demands of oil PSUs like BPCL and HPCL, which rely heavily on Jawahar Dweep for crude imports.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..