The latest e-auction has fetched the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) a whopping Rs 426 crore for leasing out 14 plots, measuring 42 hectares of land, in the JNPA Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Uran Taluka of Raigad district, created for industrial growth.
Meanwhile, JNPA has issued Letter of Intent (LoI) towards the allotment of 14 plots to 14 successful bidders, including leading industries such as Welspun One and Fine Organics. This marks a significant milestone in contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.
The JNPA SEZ spread across 277 hectares, is an ambitious initiative under the Sagarmala national flagship policy of the shipping ministry. Its primary objective is to boost exports, attract investment and generate employment opportunities and create captive cargo by enabling port-led industrialisation. Out of 277 hectares of land demarcated for the JNPA SEZ, 163 hectares are leasable land, devised for industrial and commercial purposes. Remaining land is being used for providing infrastructure facilities.
According to JNPA chairman Sanjay Sethi, “JNPA has emphasized on its commitment to industrial development. The SEZ is not just a business hub, but it’s a catalyst for economic progress. By providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and fostering a conducive business environment, we aim to unlock the full potential of this SEZ for the benefit of our investors and the region at large. The transparent e-tender- cum-e-auction process for a 60-year lease of SEZ land has been pivotal in attracting investments.”
He added that this pioneering port-based operational multi-product SEZ is making significant strides in industrial development. The SEZ is strategically positioned with seamless connectivity through water, road, rail and air. As on date, 31 units have been allotted SEZ plots, measuring 59 hectares of land, including one Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) that is already in operation. These operational units are engaged in diverse sectors such as warehousing, food processing, manufacturing and trading, said JNPA officials.
With the recent allotment of 14 plots measuring 42 hectares, in the third phase, the total number of plots leased out so far is 45. Earlier, during the first and second phase of the auction process 31 plots were leased out with a total area of 59 hectares, taking the total leased out area to 101 hectares. . Among the 14 plots, some plots received bids that were 40% higher than the reserve price, said JNPA officials.
JNPA has invested Rs 565 crore in developing essential infrastructur to expedite the commencement of operations for the allocated units.
