JNPA Sets New Benchmark as India's First Port to Surpass 10 Million TEU Milestone

According to a recent publication by Construction World,teh Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Navi Mumbai has made waves by becoming the first port in India to surpass the impressive milestone of 10 million TEUs in container handling. This remarkable feat underscores JNPA’s status as a leading player in india’s maritime sector and its growing role in international trade and multimodal logistics.

Handling over half of India’s container traffic, JNPA is equipped with five container terminals along with two liquid and two general cargo terminals. In just the first couple of months of FY 2025-26, it managed an impressive 7.05 million TEUs and moved a total cargo weight of 16.64 million tonnes.

In comparison, Mundra Port operated by Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd has four container terminals with a capacity reaching up to 7.5 million teus, even though expansion plans are on the horizon for them as well. Together, thes ports account for more than 65% of all container traffic within India.

Unmesh Sharad Wagh, chairman at JNPA, pointed out that due to space constraints at their current location—being situated within an urban area—they cannot expand further.Instead, they are focusing on developing Vadhvan Port located about 150 km away from Mumbai. This new facility aims to enhance operational efficiency while reducing costs for customers through improved resource management.

Wagh also highlighted that JNPA is well-connected via highways and has established a centralized parking plaza for goods that operates almost free of charge—a significant advantage for logistics operations. Additionally, plans are underway for an empty container yard which will further streamline processes.

the development of their Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is another priority; out of the available 266 hectares—of which around 500 acres can be sold—75% has already been allocated to developers like JSW and DP World.

Sustainability remains high on their agenda too; currently powered by approximately 60% renewable energy sources, there are ambitions to reach full sustainability soon after implementing electric trucks as replacements for diesel vehicles used in port operations.

Moreover, JNPA’s operations have embraced digital transformation fully; automation initiatives include advanced technologies such as digital twins integrated into their truck appointment systems. They’re also investing heavily into cybersecurity measures while exploring possibilities with next-generation connectivity like 5G systems.

This blend of innovation and sustainability positions JNPA not just as a leader domestically but also sets it up favorably on the global stage moving forward.