Dear Valued Employees, Stakeholders and Trade Partners,

It is my pleasure to share with you that the container traffic handled at JNPT grew by 40.40 percent in the first half of FY 2021-22, in contrast to the same period last year. With this, JNPT continues to build upon its robust operational business performance after a positive first half of FY21-22. This accomplishment provides us with a framework to further optimize terminal operations and serve the maritime trade with our logistics expertise.

In a major development aimed at further augmenting the port’s overall efficiency, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the first-ever ‘Dwarf Container Train’ from JNPT, marking a significant stride in revamping the cargo rail movement through double-stacked dwarf containers. With this, the logistics community is set to gain significantly from the launch of this new dwarf container train service from JNPT, as the move aims to provide a competitive cost advantage, improved hinterland connectivity, and reduced container turn-around times, eading to increased rail cargo traffic at JNPT. The Port has also undertaken a host of other initiatives to enhance its rail share. By streamlining the coordination between stakeholders, including all Container Train Operators, Railways, and all Port Terminals, we are witnessing efficiency and growth in our overall rail handling performance.

Furthermore, to provide an impetus for coastal cargo movement, we completed the physical construction and conducted trial operations at our dedicated coastal berth in line with the government's policy to promote coastal shipping to shift freight from the road to an environment-friendly and cost-effective mode of transportation. The coastal berth, with its advanced infrastructure, aims at decongesting rail and road networks, offering cost-competitive and effective multi-modal transportation solutions for coastal shipping. By implementing such initiatives, the port continues to build sustainable multimodal transit systems that can provide an array of passenger and freight transport options while supporting economic growth, social development, and global trade.

We are committed to achieving our sustainability goals while diligently address those aspects of our performance in which we see avenues for advancement. As a result, JNPT became the first Major Port to operationalize a fleet of e-vehicles and a dedicated EV charging station within the Port. The induction of the EV fleet is in line with JNPT's green port initiative, and the deployment of eco-friendly mobility solutions for the JNPT employees is yet another addition to the port's host of sustainable, green initiatives.

In addition, I am delighted to share that our state-of-the-art JNPT-SEZ, part of the Sagarmala initiative of the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, operational since June 2020, continues to attract leading global companies and investors to set-up their trade and manufacturing facilities in close proximity of the port, augmenting JNPT as a manufacturing hub, enabling port-led industrialization. In line with this, JNPT issued a ‘Letter of Intent’ to nine successful bidders to operationalize units at its multi-product JNPT-SEZ. Spread over 277 hectares, the JNPT-SEZ aims to slash costs, help move goods to and from ports swiftly, efficiently, and cost-effectively, thereby increasing the competitiveness of Indian goods globally promoting ‘Ease of Doing Business’, making JNPT the Port of choice for the Exim trade.

To commemorate the 75 years of India’s independence, we are actively participating in the nationwide ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahatsov’ campaign to recognize and celebrate everything progressive about India’s socio-cultural and economic ethos. We have implemented numerous initiatives and public engagement activities to exhibit and accentuate India’s transformation. In the months ahead, the port has plans to continue the implementation of new initiatives and activities as part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ campaign.

I sincerely thank all our committed healthcare professionals at JNPT hospital for extending selfless services and all our staff for adhering to COVID appropriate behavior within the Port. As part of our efforts to combat COVID19, we administered the 10000th COVID19 vaccine jab. With this, our vaccination drive undertaken by the JNPT Hospital continues to gain momentum. Also, our Dedicated COVID Health Centre (DCHC) has been witnessing zero COVID patients at JNPT hospital.

I want to thank all the employees, stakeholders and partners at JNPT for their outstanding efforts for their continued support and I look forward to the months ahead with confidence.

On behalf of the entire JNPT family, I express our warmest greetings to you all for the upcoming festivities. Stay safe, and stay healthy!

Thank you.
With Warm regards,

SANJAY SETHI, IAS
CHAIRMAN