IANS | 09 Oct, 2023
Mundra Port is celebrating 25 years of path-breaking operations,
highlighting its expansion and evolution as one of the largest ports
globally.
Since berthing its first ship, MT Alpha on 7 October,
1998, the port has consistently demonstrated a visionary approach,
unwavering ambition and impeccable execution, positioning itself as one
of the premier and technologically advanced ports on the global map.
Emerging
as a crucial trade gateway, Mundra Port has grown into a multimodal hub
that drives trade and fortifies economic progression. From its modest
inception, it has ascended to prominence and has contributed over Rs.
2.25 lakh crore to the state and national exchequer in the past 25
years, emphasising its central role in India’s economic framework. Also,
it has generated employment exceeding 7.5 crore man-days since
inception.
From a handful of tonnes in 1998, Mundra went on to
handle 100 MMT in 2014, the first in India to do so. Today, the port
handles over 155 MMT (again the first in India), which constitutes
nearly 11 per cent of India’s maritime cargo.
Mundra is also the
EXIM gateway for container traffic. In fact, 33 per cent of India’s
container traffic flows through the port across a dedicated freight
corridor that offers the unique facility of double-stack containers from
the northern hinterland to Mundra.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam
Adani said: "Mundra, for me, is much more than just a port. It is the
beachhead of a horizon of possibilities for the entire Adani Group. 25
years ago, when we started the journey, we dreamt of a beacon that would
represent India's march forward.
“The heartbeat of this
commitment resonates not just in Mundra but throughout the nation and
echoes in the confidence of every stakeholder who had the faith to sail
on this journey with us.
“As we mark our silver jubilee, Mundra
stands as a testament to the wonders that can unfurl when foresight,
tenacity and a united community converge. Along with our employees and
partners, we did not merely construct a port; we sculpted an emblem of
global excellence, transforming an entire region and crafting new
blueprints. Our confidence has never been higher and Mundra will
continue to trailblaze, setting benchmarks on the global canvas.”
CEO
and Whole Time Director, Karan Adani said: “Today, Mundra is a showcase
of world-class infrastructure – and anyone who sees Mundra will agree
that it is a very visible tribute to the vision and the determination of
pioneering entrepreneurs like Gautam Adani, who refused to stop
thinking big and thinking long-term.
“We see this
multidimensional transformation of Mundra, in just 25 years, as the
Adani Group’s humble contribution to nation-building. What was once
barren is now India’s EXIM gateway and an extraordinary global hub for
trade and commerce. I would say, very confidently, that we have
succeeded in creating a powerful catalyst for India’s growth – and I
also believe that our journey has just begun.”
Mundra Port serves
the vast northern hinterland with seamless multimodal connectivity. As
the nation's largest commercial port, spread over 35,000 acres, Mundra
boasts of state-of-the-art facilities including the largest coal,
natural gas, and auto terminals. Its deep draft and all-weather
capabilities ensure efficient cargo evacuation and minimal turnaround
time. Its strategic advantages and superior facilities have made it the
preferred choice for major global shipping lines.
Mundra Port has
been at the forefront of eco-conscious activities, from green
initiatives to sustainable operational methods. It has undertaken
mangrove afforestation and conservation that encompasses terrestrial
afforestation across approximately 6,000 hectares, planting 17.5 million
plants. There are plans to plant an additional 4 million trees by 2030,
in line with the Chairman’s vision of 100 million trees.
With its
deep-rooted commitment to the community, the Adani Foundation resonates
with the lives of residents across 61 villages in Mundra and 113
villages in various parts of Kutch, touching 3.53 lakh persons.
The
Adani Group's arrival brought about profound changes to the region,
with the Adani Foundation playing a key role in uplifting towns and
villages through education, healthcare and infrastructure. This reflects
the Group's ethos – business growth with social responsibility.
Kutch
was earlier reliant on agriculture, animal husbandry and labour, with
many seeking opportunities elsewhere due to a dearth of quality
education, healthcare and infrastructure. Thanks to skill-development
programmes, the youth have now embraced a range of professions.
The
educational landscape has flourished, even as Adani Vidya Mandir
provides quality education to under-privileged children. Healthcare,
which was once rudimentary, is now served by sophisticated hospitals,
capable of advanced procedures.
The standard of living has
improved, marked by enhanced road connectivity, a booming real estate
sector, and increased purchasing power. The emphasis on corporate social
responsibility has sown the seeds of holistic development, women
empowerment and infrastructure enhancement, reshaping the region’s
socio-cultural fabric.