Union Cabinet Approves Critical Road Connectivity for Vadhvan Port

The Union cabinet has greenlit a 32-km road to connect Vadhvan Port to NH-48. The Vadhvan Port, being developed by JNPA, received approval for road connectivity, vital for transporting construction material. Land acquisition and initial road construction are set to commence post-notification.

A 32-km road linking the proposed Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra's Palghar district to National Highway 48 has been sanctioned by the Union cabinet, according to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).

The National Highways Authority of India's Land Acquisition Committee (NHAI-LAC) has greenlit road connectivity to Vadhvan Port from NH-48. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is now authorized to make necessary decisions. Land acquisition will follow once the ministry designates the road a national highway. The government issued the declaration on August 12.

JNPA Chairman Unmesh Sharad Wagh emphasized the road's crucial role in initiating port construction, particularly for material transport. Local roads are too narrow for heavy transportation, and the national highway designation will speed up processes. Initial tenders for a 20-km two-lane road will be invited once land acquisition begins. The Union cabinet's approval came in June, followed by an Expression of Interest for offshore development, which attracted several organizations. Port construction is slated to start after next monsoon, contingent on road connectivity.