Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Government of India, visited Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority - India’s Best Performing Port on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. He was welcomed by Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA & CMD, VPPL. Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA and CMD, VPPL, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the progress of Vadhvan Port. He highlighted that the project is advancing ahead of schedule, underscoring the port’s strategic importance in enhancing India’s maritime trade capabilities. The Minister also felicitated Govind Bodke, IAS, District Collector, Palghar, and Shri Balasaheb Patil, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Palghar, for their instrumental contributions in facilitating environmental clearances, conducting public hearings, and laying the foundation stone for VPPL. It was followed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University and Vadhvan Port Project Limited. Under this collaboration, the university will design and conduct essential skill-based programs tailored to the operational requirements of Vadhvan Port. The initiative will focus on developing training modules and creating employment opportunities for skilled students, thereby generating a future-ready workforce for the maritime sector. An agreement was also signed between VPPL and M/s ITD Cementation India Ltd. for the construction of Near Shore Reclamation and Shore Protection for the Greenfield Vadhvan Port. He addressed a stakeholders’ meeting, where he engaged with port users and trade representatives to understand their perspectives and discuss strategic initiatives to address the evolving needs of India’s maritime sector and facilitate smoother trade operations. Speaking at the occasion Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Government of India, said, “Ports are the gateways to a nation's economic growth, and JNPA is an example of India's maritime potential. Here I witnessed how infrastructure development and operational advancements are driving progress. Interactions with stakeholders highlighted important insights on the trade's evolving needs and expectations. With strategic projects like Vadhvan Port on the horizon, we are paving the way for enhanced trade capacity and global competitiveness. The government remains dedicated to creating policies and infrastructure that empower the maritime industry, streamline logistics, and bolster India's standing as a major player in global trade.” Additionally, during his visit, Shantanu Thakur performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Construction of the Entrance Gate Building & Development of its Surrounding Area at the Landing jetty in JN Port. The building will include a recreational space for sunset views against the Mumbai skyline, an iconic landmark near the jetty, and increased seating with functional cafeterias. VVIP lounging areas, improved vehicular access, space for security personnel, and an information desk further enhance passenger comfort and site management. He also visited GTI, one of the most efficient container terminals at JNPA, where he was briefed on terminal operations by the CEO of GTI. The Minister’s tour included key infrastructure and operational facilities at JNPA, such as the Centralised Parking Plaza (CPP), JNPA SEZ, and the Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) at SEZ.