
Dighi Port, Maharashtra: A Strategic Coastal and Container Handling Hub
Situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, Dighi Port stands as a pivotal maritime gateway on India’s western coast. Operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited, this all-weather, deep-sea port is strategically positioned to bolster regional trade and industrial growth.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Located on the banks of Rajpuri Creek, approximately 42 nautical miles from Mumbai, Dighi Port is one of Maharashtra’s deepest ports, with a draft depth of 14.5 meters. This depth enables the accommodation of large vessels, enhancing its capacity for handling diverse cargo types. The port boasts five operational berths, facilitating efficient cargo operations.
The port's connectivity is further strengthened by its proximity to National Highways 17 and 66, as well as the Pune-Kolad and Pune-Harihareshwar highways. Additionally, the nearby Konkan Railway's Indapur station, situated 47 kilometers away, provides seamless rail connectivity .
Multi-Cargo Handling Capabilities
Dighi Port is developed as a multipurpose, multi-cargo, all-weather port, capable of handling a variety of cargo, including bulk, break-bulk, and containers . With an extensive land bank of approximately 1,600 acres, the port is equipped with adequate stockyards, warehousing facilities, and backup areas to support efficient cargo handling .
Industrial Growth and SEZ Development
Adjacent to the port lies the Dighi Port Industrial Area (DPIA), a 5,024-hectare project aimed at fostering industrial growth. This area is being developed as a major node of the proposed Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), focusing on sectors such as engineering, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
The DPIA is strategically located near key highways and railway lines, enhancing its accessibility and attractiveness for industrial investments. The development of this industrial area is expected to play a significant role in Maharashtra's economic growth and contribute to achieving the state's ambitious $1 trillion economy target .
Environmental and Community Considerations
While the expansion of Dighi Port presents significant economic opportunities, it also raises environmental and community concerns. Local fishermen have expressed apprehensions about the impact of the port's expansion on their livelihoods, highlighting the need for balanced development that considers both economic growth and community welfare Adani Watch.
Future Prospects
With ongoing expansion plans, Dighi Port is poised to become a major maritime hub on India's western coast. The integration of the port with the Dighi Port Industrial Area and its strategic location near major highways and railways position it as a key player in facilitating trade and industrial development in the region.
Solanki Ship Care: Ensuring Maritime Safety and Efficiency
As Dighi Port continues to grow, the role of maritime service providers like Solanki Ship Care becomes increasingly vital. Solanki Ship Care offers a range of services, including ship maintenance, safety inspections, and emergency response, ensuring that vessels operating in and out of Dighi Port adhere to the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
