Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Vadhvan Port in the Palghar district of Maharashtra. He also inaugurated various fisheries projects and distributed transponders and Kisan Credit Cards to fishermen. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that in the last decade, development on India’s coast has gained unprecedented pace. He noted that the government has modernized ports, developed waterways, and invested lakhs and crores of rupees in this direction. The Prime Minister added that private investment has also increased, providing benefits and new opportunities for youths. Mr. Modi said that today the whole world is looking at Vadhvan Port, which will change the economic picture of this entire region. He emphasized that today is a historic day in India’s journey towards progress, and a developed Maharashtra is an essential part of the resolve for a Developed India.

The cost of this project is around 76,000 crore rupees. It aims to establish a world-class maritime gateway that will boost the country’s trade and economic growth by catering to large container vessels, offering deeper drafts, and accommodating ultra-large cargo ships. Vadhvan Port, located near Dahanu town in Palghar district, will be one of India’s largest deep-water ports and will provide direct connectivity to international shipping routes, reducing transit times and costs. The Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 218 fisheries projects worth around 1,560 crore rupees, aimed at bolstering the sector’s infrastructure and productivity across the nation. Additionally, the Prime Minister launched the National Rollout of the Vessel Communication and Support System at a cost of around ₹364 crore. Under this project, one lakh transponders will be installed in a phased manner on mechanized and motorized fishing vessels in 13 coastal states and Union Territories.