JNPA Rakes in Rs 400 Crore from SEZ Plot Leasing in a Landmark E-Auction

Raigad, Maharashtra

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has achieved a significant financial gain, securing Rs 426 crore from leasing out 14 plots, totaling 42 hectares, in the JNPA Special Economic Zone (SEZ) located in Uran Taluka of Raigad district. This e-auction, aimed at fostering industrial growth, marks a substantial revenue milestone for JNPA.

Strategic Allotment to Prominent Industries

JNPA has issued Letters of Intent for the allotment of the 14 plots to successful bidders, including prominent industry leaders like Welspun One and Fine Organics. This allocation is a critical step in enhancing the socio-economic development of the region, signaling a positive growth trajectory for the area.

The JNPA SEZ: A Sagarmala Initiative for Economic Progress

Spanning 277 hectares, the JNPA SEZ is a key component of the Sagarmala national flagship policy of the shipping ministry. Its main goal is to stimulate exports, attract investments, generate employment, and foster port-led industrialization. Of the total land, 163 hectares are designated for industrial and commercial leasing, with the remainder allocated for infrastructure facilities.

JNPA Chairman’s Vision on SEZ’s Potential and Investment Attraction

JNPA Chairman Sanjay Sethi emphasized the authority's commitment to industrial development, stating that the SEZ is more than a business hub; it's a catalyst for economic progress. He highlighted the importance of offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and a conducive business environment to fully realize the SEZ's potential for the benefit of investors and the region. The transparent e-tender-cum-e-auction process for a 60-year lease of SEZ land has played a crucial role in attracting these investments.

SEZ's Strategic Position and Diverse Sector Engagement

The SEZ, being a pioneering port-based operational multi-product initiative, is strategically located with seamless connectivity. To date, 31 units, including a Free Trade Warehousing Zone in operation, have been allotted plots in the SEZ, covering 59 hectares. These units are engaged in various sectors like warehousing, food processing, manufacturing, and trading.

JNPA’s Infrastructure Investment and Future Prospects

With the latest allotment in the third phase, the total number of plots leased has reached 45. The first and second phases had leased out 31 plots, summing up to 101 hectares. Some of the recent plots attracted bids 40% higher than the reserve price. Additionally, JNPA has invested Rs 565 crore in developing essential infrastructure to expedite operations for the allocated units.