PSA Mumbai Terminal Phase II Inaugurated By Prime Ministers Of India And Singapore, Boosting Maritime Trade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong virtually inaugurated Phase-II of the PSA Mumbai Terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Port. This development marks a significant enhancement in India's maritime trade and infrastructure. The terminal, spanning 200 hectares, is the first in India to operate entirely on renewable energy. It is also the largest foreign direct investment project in the port sector under the public-private partnership model, with an investment of USD 1.3 billion.

The terminal boasts a handling capacity of 4.8 million TEUs and features a quay length of 2 km, allowing it to efficiently manage container vessels carrying up to 18,000 TEUs. A spokesperson from JN Port highlighted that this facility is also the first container terminal compliant with the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC). It includes six DFC-compatible rail tracks and eight RMGCs, connecting JN Port to over 63 inland container depots across India.

Enhanced Connectivity and Multimodal Networks

Officials noted that this creates one of India's most extensive multimodal networks, ensuring faster transit times and greater resilience during disruptions. It also provides wider market access for exporters and importers. Connectivity is expected to improve further with the upcoming Western DFC link. At the inauguration ceremony, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur were present at the JNPA terminal site.

During his address, Prime Minister Modi stated that "The terminal, developed by Singapore's PSA International, symbolises the growing strength of the India–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership." He emphasised that Singapore is India's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and a major investor. Modi announced plans to expand cooperation into new areas such as advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil nuclear energy, and urban water management.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Developments

The Prime Minister called for a time-bound review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and ASEAN Free Trade Agreement to accelerate trade. He highlighted digital and technological cooperation through UPI–PayNow, space sciences, and the upcoming India–Singapore Hackathon. On maritime matters, he praised the agreement on Green and Digital Shipping Corridors as a means to strengthen both green fuel supply chains and digital port clearance processes.

Modi expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Wong and Singapore for their support following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked that the PSA Mumbai Terminal is a source of pride for Maharashtra. He noted that Maharashtra has now become number one in container handling within India.

Maharashtra's Maritime Ambitions

Fadnavis added that Maharashtra will soon develop Vadhavan Port. "For the next 100 years," he said, "Maharashtra will remain a maritime superpower." Officials stated that Phase-II of BMCT significantly enhances India's cargo handling capacity while positioning JN Port among Asia's most advanced maritime hubs.

Both Modi and Wong emphasised that this project represents more than just an infrastructure milestone; it symbolises deepening economic and strategic ties between India and Singapore. These ties are rooted in shared values and a common vision for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.