Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Samudra Se Samriddhi’ has moved forward recently with the signing of a historic MoU by the state of Gujarat. Gujarat’s Pipavav Port, also known as APM Terminals, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth ₹17,000 crore with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB).

On this occasion, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said:

“The expansion will further reinforce Gujarat’s leadership in port-led industrial development, helping reduce logistics costs and turnaround time for exporters and importers. Over the past 30 years, Pipavav port has been a model of public–private partnership, and this proposed investment by APMT Pipavav reflects strong confidence in Gujarat’s infrastructure, policy framework, and governance.”

This is the largest project since the inception of Pipavav Port and will help expand and modernise it on a large scale. Through Gujpreneur, our effort is always to show how businessmen and entrepreneurs in Gujarat are being supported in different sectors.

Pipavav Port’s ₹17,000 Cr Expansion

Under this ₹17,000 crore MoU for the Pipavav project, many changes have already started. The work that has already begun includes:

• New liquid cargo
• Advanced container terminals
• Modern bulk handling systems
• Extra storage
• Deeper waterfront
• Expanded rail siding

Pipavav Port already handles 13.5 lakh TEU containers every year, 50 lakh tonnes of dry bulk, and 20 lakh tonnes of liquid cargo. Now, with this new MoU, steps toward car exporting and green logistics can move forward. Along with this, there is also a strong possibility of unexpected growth in the cargo being delivered earlier.

Modi’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047

PM Modi has a different vision for Gujarat, and one part of it is to make Gujarat the logistics hub of the future. Through this, lakhs of Gujarati people will get employment, and local businessmen and entrepreneurs will also get many opportunities.

This Pipavav agreement will speed up the supply chains in that region. Along with that, the Dedicated Freight Corridor will also be developed. It will make it more reliable and sustainable than before. This will not only increase the capacity of cargo movement but will also reduce the cost.

25,000 New Jobs Will Be Created

APM Terminals Asia and Middle East CEO John Golden said:

“This investment plan is not just about expanding Pipavav Port; it’s about unlocking new opportunities for Gujarat, for India, and for global trade. Our goal is to make Pipavav a model of world-class efficiency and green growth, creating lasting prosperity for the local community and strengthening India’s leadership in maritime trade.”

A direct impact of this will be on the jobs created here. According to an estimate, more than 25,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created because of this MoU. This will strengthen the regional industry and economy. At the same time, the youth from nearby rural areas will get a stable source of income.

Companies That Are Directly Involved

The expansion of Pipavav Port will empower local businesses. However, it is also important to know which companies will play a role in this. Through these companies, entrepreneurs and local people will get business opportunities.

• APM Terminals Pipavav: The first name in this is APM Terminals, which signed the agreement. They will play the main role in the port expansion.
• Maersk Group: This operates at Pipavav and oversees the shipping and logistics operations.
• Adani Logistics: This is the integrated logistics partner of APM Terminals. All new connectivity work happening here will involve Adani Logistics as well.
• Gateway Distriparks Ltd: This is the Inland Container Depot (ICD) operator here. It handles third-party logistics.

Apart from these, local or small entrepreneurs to medium businessmen will also benefit. Whether they are textile exporters or those involved in agriculture.

Sectors Likely to Benefit from the Pipavav Project

“This marks a move from ‘investment to impact’, aligning with the state’s maritime vision. The expansion paves the way for a more resilient and diversified supply chain in the region.”
– Girish Aggarwal, Managing Director, Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd. (GPPL)

At Gujpreneur, you get to know every story about how any agreement or MoU happening in Gujarat impacts local businesses and entrepreneurs. In this, some direct sectors will benefit.

• Automobile Exporters

Recently, Maruti Suzuki sent more than 1,600 SUVs to Japan from Gujarat’s Pipavav Port. Because of the current development and recent agreement, 1.5 lakh cars have already been exported from Pipavav Port. It is more than 50% higher than the previous year.

• Agriculture Traders

Agricultural products are such that the faster and in larger quantities they are shipped, the more benefit traders and farmers get. Whether it is cotton, groundseeds, spices, or other crops – this is exactly what we are seeing through Pipavav.

• Textile Industry

Cities around Pipavav, such as Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar, have very large textile industries. With the help of this Pipavav project, Made-in-India fabrics are being delivered to the USA and Europe at faster speeds.

Actually, not one but hundreds of industries are benefiting from this Pipavav port project. For example – pharma, jewellery, chemicals, cement, coal, and other e-commerce items. In the coming time, this is going to become one of Gujarat’s main logistics port hubs.

Keep reading Gujpreneur to stay updated!