Which will be country's 13th major port ?

The correct answer is Vadhavan.

Key Points

• Vadhavan is set to become India’s 13th major port, located in Maharashtra, under the Sagarmala initiative.
• The port aims to serve as a hub for handling large vessels and will focus on container cargo operations.
• It is being developed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra.
• The proposed port will have a natural draft of 20 meters, making it suitable for large container ships without dredging.
• Vadhavan port is expected to boost trade and enhance the capacity of India’s maritime sector.

Additional Information

• Major Ports in India: India currently has 12 major ports, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Paradip, and Kochi.
• Sagarmala Programme: A flagship initiative by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways to modernize ports and improve port-led development.
• Natural Draft: A measure of the depth of water available at a port; Vadhavan’s natural draft of 20 meters is among the deepest in India.
• Strategic Importance: Vadhavan port is expected to reduce dependency on foreign ports for container transshipment and boost India’s trade competitiveness globally.
• Environmental Concerns: The development of Vadhavan port has raised environmental issues, as the site falls near eco-sensitive zones; mitigation plans are being implemented.