Union Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar inspects work at Vadhavan port site in Palghar
Vijay Kumar, Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, reviewed reclamation, breakwater, road, rail and land work at the Vadhavan greenfield deep-draft port.
Work to speed up development of the much-discussed Vadhavan greenfield deep-draft major port in Palghar district has drawn direct attention from the Centre. Vijay Kumar, Secretary in the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, visited the Vadhavan project site, closely examined the various works under way and took stock of the current state of development.
The port is being developed through Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL). Its initial works have now picked up pace.
During the visit, the Union Secretary closely checked progress on several items. These included reclamation of the sea near the shore, the raising of the breakwater needed to hold back the waves, the outer highway and railway network connecting the port, the land acquisition process, and basic facilities such as electricity and water.
Gaurav Dayal, chairman and managing director of VPPL, said, "This important visit by the Union Secretary and his detailed review will certainly give fresh momentum to the work on the Vadhavan project. We are committed to completing every task of the project on time, as per the earlier plan. High technical standards, environmental sustainability and operational readiness are being given the highest priority at every level."
VPPL's technical team presented to the Secretary an outline of the works planned for the coming phases. Vijay Kumar made it clear that close coordination among all the government agencies concerned, the local administration and stakeholders is essential to finish the project in the stipulated time. He also directed that the project's other complementary works be taken forward together, in parallel.
He also examined the preparatory work under way to ensure that no technical or administrative hurdle remains before the phase of large-scale construction begins. During the visit he also spoke directly with various stakeholders.
Gaurav Dayal, who is chairman of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority as well as chairman and managing director of VPPL, was present during the inspection. Palghar District Collector Dr Indurani Jakhar, Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh, VPPL Chief Executive Officer Ravish Kumar Singh and senior officials of several agencies were also present.
