A landmark conference on “Green Hydrogen Projects and the Future of Kandla Port” was held at Gandhidham Chamber Bhavan, uniting stakeholders from industry, port, energy and policy sectors. This event aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for sustainable development and reinforces India’s commitment under the Paris Climate Accord to reduce carbon emissions.
Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mr Mahesh Puj stated, “Kandla Port is now poised to become a hub for the production, storage and transportation of green hydrogen—an initiative that ties together environmental sustainability, employment and energy security.”
DPA Chairman Mr Sushil Kumar Singh noted that Deendayal Port’s existing world class infrastructure and strategic location make it ideal for transformation into a Renewable Hydrogen Hub. He confirmed Phase 1 is underway, with support from central and state governments, NITI Aayog and other agencies. Plans include developing Kandla as an export-oriented green energy hub.
Chamber Honorary Secretary Mr Mahesh Tirthani emphasised Kutch’s growing industrial importance, citing projects like Tuna Port, a solar industrial zone and the upcoming green hydrogen hub. He also called for faster progress on the Coastal Highway via strong representations to the DPA. Former Chamber President Mr Teja Kangad recalled Kandla Port’s achievement of handling 150 MMT and expressed confidence in its leadership in green hydrogen.
Former Chamber President Mr Teja Kangad emphasised that, “just as Kandla Port proudly achieved the historic target of handling 150 MMT and reclaimed its top position among India’s Major Ports, we are now determined for Kandla to take leadership in the green hydrogen sector as well.”
Key queries at Open House
During the open house session, several delegates including Mahesh Puj, Mahesh Tirthani, CA Rajiv Singh, Principal Manish Pandya (Tolani College), Balwant Thakkar, Abhishek Parekh, Kailash Gor, Mukesh Chaudhary, Vishal Maheshwari, VKGS representatives and Prof. Venkateshwarlu (Tolani Collegiate Board) raised pertinent questions regarding energy costs, land requirements, MSME policies, raw material sourcing, desalination plants and subsidies. The DPA Chairman addressed all queries thoroughly.
DPA highlighted plans to integrate renewable hydrogen with ammonia, methanol, skill development and international trade. Growing demand for electrolysers and rising job opportunities will reshape the local economy. Under a MoU with Tolani College Board and CSR support, 28 students have completed diplomas, and 96 applications have been received for the next phase, boosting skilled manpower.
Honorary Secretary Mr Mahesh Tirthani concluded the event by expressing gratitude to the senior DPA officials, invited industrialists, dignitaries, and stakeholders. Key attendees included Chamber Joint Secretary Jatin Agrawal, Treasurer Narendra Ramani, Executive Members Harish Maheshwari, Parasmal Nahata, Manoj Mansukhani, Animesh Modi, Kamlesh Pariyani, Prashant Kela, Jagdish Nahata, Rajiv Chawla, Kamlesh Ramchandani, Pankaj Morbiya, Sharad Shetty, Adil Sethna, Sharad Thakkar, Damji Bhanushali, Nikunj Chopra, Rishirajsinh Chudasama, Women’s Wing Convenors Rakhi Nahata, Surabhi Ahir, Jagruti Thakkar, Neelam Tirthani, Vaibhavi Gor, DPA Deputy Chairman C. Harichandran, Chief Engineer V. Ravindra Reddy, Y. K. Singh, Prasad, Abdullah, SRC Director Naresh Bulchandani, DP World Tuna Port’s Suresh Joseph, representatives from KASEZ, Welspun Group, Reliance, Tolani Collegiate (Prof. Tejas Pujara), SRK Institute, students, and community leaders including Romesh Chaturani, Praveen Singhvi, Friends Group’s Vivek Milak, Mohan Goyal, KICT, Neelkanth Group, and other stakeholders from the port, shipping, transport and logistics sectors.
This initiative marks a transformative moment for Kutch, promising industrial growth, job creation and a prominent place on the global green energy map. As India transitions from fossil fuels, Deendayal Port stands ready to lead the green energy revolution, asserted a release.
“This marks the dawn of a new chapter,” concluded Mr Mahesh Tirthani.
Source: Exim News Service: Gandhidham, April 15