Essar Ports Secures Letter of Award for Tuna Tekra Multipurpose Cargo Terminal at Kandla
New Delhi/Gurugram, October 22, 2026: Essar Ports Limited has received the Letter of Award (LOA) from Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) for the development of a multipurpose cargo terminal at Tuna Tekra, Kandla, Gujarat, on a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, according to a press release. Essar Ports emerged as the highest bidder through a global competitive bidding process.
With a total estimated project cost of Rs 2,276.06 crore, including an investment in excess of Rs 1,552.57 crore by Essar Ports and Rs 723.49 crore by DPA, the 30-year BOT project marks a step in Essar Ports’ strategy to expand its portfolio and strengthen its presence in India’s port infrastructure sector. Strategically located on India’s western coast, the proposed terminal aims to strengthen maritime infrastructure, enhance cargo-handling capacity, and facilitate trade growth.
The proposed terminal will have an annual cargo-handling capacity of 18.33 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and comprise four berths measuring an aggregate length of 1,200 metres. The facility is designed to accommodate Cape-size vessels of up to 170,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT), with a draft capability of up to 18 metres. DPA will provide common-user infrastructure, including dredging of the access channel, berth pockets, turning circles, and an approach road. The terminal will operate under environmental requirements and the Green Port Policy.
Commenting on the development, Ashish Rajgarhia, CEO, Essar Ports, said, “The Tuna-Tekra project marks a defining moment for Essar Ports as we embark on a new journey to rebuild and expand our ports business. With an investment of approximately ₹2,000 crore, this project will serve as the foundation for our next phase of growth. We are particularly proud to take forward a project whose foundation stone was laid by Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. Through this investment, we reaffirm our commitment to building world-class maritime infrastructure and contributing to the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”
V. Srinivasan, Operating Partner-Infrastructure, Essar Group, said, “Essar Ports is entering an important phase of its growth journey, focused on expanding its portfolio, strengthening its operational capabilities and creating sustainable long-term value. Our strategy is to build on our established expertise in port infrastructure while pursuing opportunities that support India’s growing trade and infrastructure requirements. We remain committed to disciplined investments, operational excellence and building a stronger, future-ready business that delivers lasting value for all stakeholders, including our shareholders.”
