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US$240 mn Tuna Tekra terminal project in Gujarat, India awarded to Essar Ports. Home " Transport " Seaports " US$240 mn Tuna Tekra terminal project in Gujarat, India awarded to Essar Ports. Published on Oct 22, 2026 Essar Ports has acquired a 30-year concession to develop an 18.33-million-tonne multipurpose cargo terminal project at Tuna Tekra, Kandla, Gujarat, as part of a public-private partnership with Deendayal Port Authority. Essar Ports Limited has been awarded the Letter of Award (LoA) for the development of a multipurpose cargo terminal at Tuna Tekra, close to Kandla in Gujarat, India. The project is estimated to cost ₹2,276.06 crore (US$240 million) and is intended to improve the capacity to handle cargo at Deendayal Port, an important maritime gateway on India's western coast. This is as India continues to develop its maritime infrastructure with other ports including the Paradip Port in Odisha. The award, announced on October 21, 2026, followed a competitive bidding process in which Essar Ports was the successful bidder. The terminal will be developed under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with a 30-year concession period. The proposed 18.33-million-tonne annual-capacity terminal will have four (4) 300-metre-long berths. It will also be able to accommodate vessels of up to 170,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT). The new terminal will provide additional capacity for multipurpose cargo and support the movement of commodities through Gujarat's port infrastructure. For Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), the project aligns with the goal of expanding maritime capacity. For Essar Ports, the award creates an opportunity to invest in the port infrastructure of an important port in Gujarat through a long-term concession. Tuna Tekra terminal project scope and technical specifications. The Tuna Tekra terminal project will be located outside Kandla Creek. It will be on the east side of a separate mega-container terminal under development at Tuna Tekra by DP World. Additionally, the two facilities have different concessionaires and project scopes. Essar Ports will be developing a multipurpose terminal. It will also include a dry cargo. The company's 18.33-million-tonne annual-capacity project is expected to provide additional handling capacity for the movement of industrial commodities and other cargo. The facility will comprise four (4) 300-metre-long berths, providing a total of 1,200-metre combined berth length. It will be capable of accommodating vessels of up to 170,000 DWT. Additionally, it will have a draft of up to 18 metres. The new terminal will require both marine and landside infrastructure. Deendayal Port Authority will have an obligation to provide the specified common-user infrastructure, including dredging the access channel, berth pockets and turning circles, and a common approach road. The port authority's facilities will support the operation of the terminal and the movement of cargo between the terminal and inland transport networks. Essar Ports will develop and operate the terminal in accordance with the concession arrangements. The division of responsibility for shared infrastructure is a key aspect of the public-private partnership structure of the project. Project cost and financing. The estimated cost of the project is ₹2,276.06 crore. According to the funding structure reported by Essar Ports, this comprises ₹1,552.57 crore (US$163 million) of investment by the company, and ₹723.49 crore (US$76 million) of contribution of common-user infrastructure by Deendayal Port Authority. While the private investment will be supporting the terminal development, the port authority's investment will be financing the provision of certain shared infrastructure. This represents a combination of private and public investment in facilities to support port operations. Under the 30-year BOT concession, Essar Ports will be developing and operating the terminal during the concession period. This is also subject to the final contractual provisions and applicable regulations. The transfer arrangements will also be governed by the concession agreement. Additionally, the project is aligned with India's overall approach to attracting private investment in port infrastructure. By increasing handling capacity and supporting large vessels, the terminal is intended to improve the capacity for accommodating future cargo demand. According Essar's announcement, its existing port portfolio has approximately 60 million tonnes of annual operational capacity across India, Indonesia and the United Kingdom. The Tuna Tekra award adds another development opportunity to the company's port infrastructure business. Tuna Tekra terminal project construction timeline and status. The Letter of Award marks the formal project-award milestone. Commercial operations are expected to commence by 2031. However, the award announcement does not indicate the commencement of the main construction. Further milestones are to be expected. These include include the completion of the concession requirements and EPC appointments. Mobilisation and construction are also expected. Marine works will be of particular importance to delivery of the project. Dredging of the access channel, berth pockets and turning circles will need to be coordinated with the construction and commissioning of the berths. The common approach road will also be required to support the movement of cargo between the terminal and inland destinations. The main civil works contractor, engineering consultant, architect and terminal equipment suppliers have not been identified in the award information reviewed at the moment. The project is also different from the DP World's container terminal at Tuna Tekra. Expected impact on port operations and trade. The new terminal is intended to increase the capacity to handle cargo at Deendayal Port. It will also help to accommodate demand for dry and multipurpose cargo. Additional berths can improve vessel-scheduling flexibility. These will also reduce pressure on existing facilities where capacity constraints exist. The terminal's deep-draft capabilities may also support calls by larger vessels. These can potentially improve shipping efficiency supported by cargo volumes, marine conditions and operational requirements. Improved port capacity is also expected to benefit exporters, importers, shipping companies and logistics operators. This is through offering additional options for handling and transporting cargo. The project may also strengthen the connectivity between maritime trade routes and the industrial and commercial centres served by the port. The construction and operations phases are also expected to generate employment and demand for transport, warehousing, cargo handling and other supporting services in Gujarat. The scale of the benefits will be dependent on the construction programme, future cargo volumes and the availability of supporting infrastructure. Environmental compliance is expected to be another important consideration during project development and operation. Tuna Tekra terminal project outlook. The new Tuna Tekra terminal is a major planned addition to Deendayal Port's multipurpose cargo infrastructure. With an estimated investment of ₹2,276.06 crore, four berths and a proposed annual handling capacity of 18.33 million tonnes, the project is designed to expand the port's ability to accommodate future cargo demand and handle larger vessels. The next important milestones will be the completion of the implementation requirements and confirmation of the construction and engineering contractors. This is while eyeing the expected commercial operations date of 2031. Delivery will also depend on the coordinated marine and landside works, construction execution and compliance with the concession and regulatory requirements. If implemented as planned, the terminal can strengthen Kandla's role in India's western maritime trade network. It will also provide additional capacity for the movement of multipurpose cargo. Tuna Tekra terminal project fact sheet. Project: Tuna Tekra Multipurpose Cargo Terminal. Location: Tuna Tekra, Kandla, Gujarat, India. Project type: Multipurpose cargo port terminal. Owner / Port authority: Deendayal Port Authority. Successful bidder: Essar Ports Limited. Developer: Essar Ports Limited, under the concession arrangement. Delivery method: Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Concession period: 30 years. Purpose: Expand the capacity of the port to handle cargo and improve operations for multipurpose cargo. Annual handling capacity: 18.33 million tonnes. Number of berths: Four. Individual berth length: 300 metres. Combined berth length: 1,200 metres. Maximum vessel capacity: Up to 170,000 DWT. Design draft: Up to 18 metres. Estimated project cost: ₹2,276.06 crore. Essar Ports investment: ₹1,552.57 crore. Port authority contribution: ₹723.49 crore for common-user infrastructure. Key shared infrastructure: Access-channel dredging, berth-pocket and turning-circle dredging, and a common approach road. Project award milestone: Letter of Award announced on October 21, 2026. Construction status: Awarded; main construction not started. Expected commercial operations: By 2031. Companies, project team and stakeholders. Deendayal Port Authority (DPA): Port authority and awarding body responsible for specified common-user infrastructure. Essar Ports Limited: Successful bidder and concessionaire. Also responsible for developing and operating the terminal under the concession. Essar Group: Parent business group associated with Essar Ports. Government of India Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

Essar Ports secures LOA for Tuna Tekra multipurpose cargo terminal at Kandla. October 22, 2026 MUMBAI/GANDHIDHAM: Essar Ports Limited has received the Letter of Award (LOA) from Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) for the development of a multipurpose cargo terminal at Tuna Tekra, Kandla, Gujarat, on a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Essar Ports emerged as the highest bidder through a global competitive bidding process. With a total estimated project cost of ₹2,276.06 crore, including an investment in excess of ₹1,552.57 crore by Essar Ports and ₹723.49 crore by DPA, the project marks a significant step in Essar Ports' strategy to expand its portfolio and strengthen its presence in India's port infrastructure sector. Strategically located on India's western coast, the proposed terminal is a significant step towards strengthening the country's maritime infrastructure, enhancing cargo-handling capacity and facilitating trade growth. Essar Group is a global conglomerate with over five decades of entrepreneurial experience in conceptualising, investing, building, and operating world-class assets across the energy, infrastructure, metals & mining, technology & retail sectors. Essar's current ports portfolio comprises approximately 60 MTPA of operational capacity across Gujarat, Indonesia and the United Kingdom. Through Essar Ports, the Group is expanding its port business in India and international markets. Commenting on the development, Ashish Rajgarhia, CEO, Essar Ports, said, "The Tuna-Tekra project marks a defining moment for Essar Ports as we embark on a new journey to rebuild and expand our ports business. With an investment of approximately ₹2,000 crore, this project will serve as the foundation for our next phase of growth. We are particularly proud to take forward a project whose foundation stone was laid by Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. Through this investment, we reaffirm our commitment to building world-class maritime infrastructure and contributing to the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047." Mr. V. Srinivasan, Operating Partner-Infrastructure, Essar Group, said: "Essar Ports is entering an important phase of its growth journey, focused on expanding its portfolio, strengthening its operational capabilities and creating sustainable long-term value. Our strategy is to build on our established expertise in port infrastructure while pursuing opportunities that support India's growing trade and infrastructure requirements. We remain committed to disciplined investments, operational excellence and building a stronger, future-ready business that delivers lasting value for all stakeholders, including our shareholders." The proposed terminal will have an annual cargo-handling capacity of 18.33 million tonnes and comprise four berths, each measuring 300 metres, providing an aggregate berth length of 1,200 metres. The facility is designed to accommodate Cape-size vessels of up to 170,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT), with draft capability of up to 18 metres. As part of the project, DPA will provide common-user infrastructure, including dredging of the access channel, berth pockets and turning circles, along with a common approach road. The terminal will be developed and operated in accordance with applicable environmental requirements and the Green Port Policy. The development of additional cargo-handling infrastructure is also expected to ease pressure on existing dry-cargo berths, improve operational efficiency and strengthen multimodal connectivity. The use of larger vessels is expected to support more efficient shipping and improve logistics competitiveness.

Essar Oil & Gas expands CBM footprint with five new blocks across three states. 15 Oct 2026 3:50 AM Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 15 (IANS) Essar Oil & Gas Ltd. (formerly known as Essar Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Ltd. or EOGEPL), one of India's leading Coal Bed Methane (CBM) producers, has been awarded five new CBM blocks through the Government of India's Special CBM (SCBM) Bid Rounds 2025 and 2026. The blocks add 1,281 sq km of new acreage across West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana, with an estimated 6.6 TCF of gas-in-place resources. The contracts for the SCBM-2025 and SCBM-2026 Bid Rounds were formally signed on October 15 at a ceremony chaired by Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas. The signing marks an important step in the government's efforts, through the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) and the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), to unlock India's unconventional hydrocarbon potential, attract investment and strengthen domestic exploration and production. The two newly awarded blocks in the Raniganj region of West Bengal, together spanning approximately 330 sq km, will expand Essar Oil & Gas' existing 500 sq. km. Raniganj East footprint to around 830 sq. km. The proximity of the new blocks to the company's existing producing asset will create significant synergies in infrastructure, operations, and technical capabilities, enabling the development of an integrated CBM producing field that is expected to become the largest CBM producing field in India. The Singrauli block in Madhya Pradesh further strengthens Essar Oil & Gas' presence in an established CBM region, providing an opportunity to leverage the broader ecosystem associated with CBM development in the basin. The blocks in Telangana's Godavari Valley mark an expansion into a new CBM geography, allowing Essar Oil & Gas to apply its established expertise to developing new resource areas. Pankaj Kalra, CEO, Essar Oil & Gas Ltd., said, "The award of these five CBM blocks marks a significant milestone in Essar Oil & Gas' growth journey and reinforces our commitment to unlocking India's vast unconventional hydrocarbon potential. Building on our proven track record at Raniganj, we see substantial opportunities to leverage our technical expertise, operational capabilities and established infrastructure to accelerate the development of these resources. Our focus will be on translating this expanded acreage into sustainable production growth, creating long-term value and contributing meaningfully to India's energy security by strengthening domestic natural gas supplies and reducing dependence on imports." Bhuwan Chandra Tripathi, Chairman, Essar Oil & Gas Ltd. and Operating Partner - Energy, Essar Group, said, "Natural gas will continue to play an important role in India's energy mix as energy demand continues to grow. The expansion of Essar Oil & Gas' CBM portfolio reinforces our commitment to developing India's indigenous energy resources. As a Group, we remain focused on supporting India's energy security through responsible development of domestic hydrocarbon resources, while contributing to the country's transition towards a more balanced and sustainable energy mix." Essar Group is a global conglomerate with over five decades of entrepreneurial experience in conceptualising, investing, building, and operating world-class assets across the energy, infrastructure, metals & mining, technology & retail sectors. Through Essar Oil & Gas Ltd, the Group is expanding its upstream portfolio across India. Essar Oil & Gas has invested more than Rs 6,000 crore in exploration and production at Raniganj and currently produces approximately 950,000 standard cubic metres of gas per day (SCMD), accounting for nearly 50 per cent of India's CBM production. The Company's broader ambition is to contribute 5 per cent of India's natural gas production by progressively developing its CBM portfolio and unlocking additional domestic gas resources. With over 25 years of pioneering experience in CBM exploration and production, Essar Oil & Gas is well positioned to help develop India's vast unconventional hydrocarbon potential. Around half of India's natural gas consumption is currently met through imports, making the accelerated development of domestic gas resources critical to strengthening the country's energy security and supporting its transition towards a gas-based economy.