The first compressed natural gas (CNG) Terminal in the world is planned to be built near Gujarat’s Bhavnagar port with an estimated investment of Rs 40 billion. It will be executed by a consortium of the Mumbai-based Padmanabhan Mafatlal Group and the United Kingdom’s Foresight Group.
The foundation stone for the project will be laid on October 6, 2022. The massive and CNG Terminal project has a cargo handling capacity of 1.5 million metric tonnes per annum. The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), which is currently managing the Bhavnagar Port will also support the project as it would be developed using public-private partnership approach
Reportedly, the upcoming CNG Terminal will have the fourth largest lock gate system in the world in addition to an ultra-modern container terminal, a multipurpose terminal, a Ro-Ro terminal, and a liquid terminal. It will also have direct door-step connectivity to the existing roadway and railway network connecting to the largest industrial zones, the Dedicated Freight Corridor, and the northern hinterland of India.
The construction of the port is expected to commence in the first half of 2023 and the port will be operational in 2026. In addition to the CNG Terminal, upgradation of the Bhavnagar port will also cater to the future needs and demands of Bhavnagar district for upcoming projects.