DP World Sees Tremendous Potential in Kutch, Gujarat's Trade Growth

Ahead of the 10th year of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGSS) slated for January 2024, DP World, a global leader in smart end-to-end supply chain logistics actively participated in the Vibrant Gujarat – Vibrant Kutch event held on 10th and 11th October 2023, at the Ambedkar Convention Centre in Gandhidham, Gujarat, India.
Kutch, Gujarat’s largest district, today handles 23% of India’s total port traffic and that is expected to increase to 30% in the next five years. Moreover, under Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the Centre has plans to quadruple the Samakhiali to Gandhidham highway in Kutch, thereby increasing its connectivity with neighboring states.
Particularly considering the remarkable infrastructure changes transpiring in the region and pro-business policies being put into place, Kutch is a significant area of importance for DP World. With the establishment of state-of-the-art trade and logistics hubs near the Kandla and Mundra ports, the company is strategically positioned to harness the potential of these developments.
Rizwan Soomar, CEO and MD, Middle East, North Africa and India Subcontinent, DP World, expressed his optimism about the region’s potential, stating, “The Government’s policy-led approach, strong infrastructure push and District as Export Hub initiative (DEH) has provided Kutch with several opportunities for overall development. This coupled with the region’s connectivity, both via sea routes and multimodal logistics networks via road and rail, positions Kutch as one of the key markets for DP World. Our state-of-the-art mega-container terminal at Tuna Tekra near Kandla, planned with an investment of ₹4,243.64 crore, will bear testament to our dedication towards making India a global trade hub. We are confident that our sustained investments in port infrastructure as well as in enhancing multimodal capacity in the country will further enable the flow of trade from and to India.”
During the event, Devang Mankodi, Senior Vice President of Global Shared Services at DP World Subcontinent, spoke on the potential of unlocking the benefits of trade finance for businesses who need access to affordable and innovative financing options to grow their business. He underscored Gujarat’s pivotal role as India’s gateway to global trade, emphasizing Kutch’s unparalleled connectivity to markets like the Middle East and the greater gulf region.
Avnash Iyer, CEO of DP World Mundra, shared insightful perspectives on ‘How Kutch can unlock its potential through ports and multimodal networking infrastructure connecting neighboring states’. He emphasized that Gujarat’s ports are not just gateways; they are engines of economic growth, driving the region and the country forward. He mentioned that at Mundra, DP World already handles a substantial portion of India’s port traffic and is expected to play an even more significant role in the coming years. With seamless connectivity through a multimodal network of private freight terminals, warehousing, cold chain, express, rail, and state-of-the-art free trade and warehousing zones, DP World is well-positioned to provide seamless trade offerings from Gujarat to the Middle East, Western Europe and African markets.
As part of its commitment to the region’s development, the company is actively collaborating with local stakeholders and government bodies to foster local sustainable growth through social responsibility and capability-building efforts.
DP World currently operates five container terminals in India – two in Nhava Sheva, one each in Mundra, Cochin and Chennai – with a combined capacity of approximately 6 million TEUs, which will rise to 8.19 million TEUs, with the terminal at Tuna Tekra commencing operations.