Vadhvan Port Project Limited awards near-shore reclamation and shore protection contract to ITD Cementation India Ltd.
The Board of Directors of Vadhvan Port Project Limited (VPPL), at its 8th meeting on Tuesday, approved awarding the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the construction of Near Shore Reclamation and Shore Protection for the Greenfield Vadhvan Port. The contract has been awarded to the lowest bidder, M/s ITD Cementation India Ltd., at their quoted price of `1,648 crore (excluding GST), which is 6.892% below the estimated cost of `1,770 crore (excluding GST). The approved bid was deemed both reasonable and workable, informed a release.
Mr Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA and CMD, VPPL, said, “This contract represents an important step toward establishing the core infrastructure for Vadhvan Port. The near-shore reclamation will lay the groundwork for subsequent phases of the project, ensuring we move forward with a strong and sustainable base. As we step into 2025, we look forward to accelerating the work and making steady progress toward our goals”.
The awarded package encompasses the development of about 200 hectares of land in the near shore area, an important component for initiating other key packages of the Greenfield Vadhvan Port Project, including loading points and essential infrastructure.
The tender for the near shore reclamation and shore protection package was widely publicised, with notices published in major daily newspapers across India. The tender document was made available online starting October 22, 2024, and the submission deadline was December 19, 2024.
Three reputed firms submitted online bids by the due date:
* M/s Man Infra Construction Ltd. in JV with TIPL
* M/s ITD Cementation India Ltd.
* M/s Navayuga Engineering Company Ltd.
All three agencies were found to meet the qualification criteria. Subsequently, the price bids were opened on December 30, 2024, and the contract was awarded to M/s ITD Cementation India Ltd.
In parallel, emphasis is also being given to skill development programs through thoughtful collaborations for a skilled workforce. VPPL remains committed to driving strategic projects that bolster India’s trade capacity and strengthen its position in global maritime commerce, the release added.
About Vadhvan Port
Situated in Palghar district, near Dahanu, Maharashtra, Vadhvan Port is set to become India’s 13th major and largest container port. It is being developed under a landlord model with terminals to be built through Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The project received Cabinet approval on June 19, 2024, with construction in two phases.
Strategically located with seamless connectivity to major hinterlands, the port’s all-weather design and deep draft make it crucial for boosting India’s maritime economy under the Sagarmala initiative.
Source: Exim News Service: Mumbai, Jan. 1