Maharashtra CM promises 10 lakh employment opportunities for locals at Vadhavan Port

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday (November 26, 2025) assured residents of Palghar district that they need not worry as they will be given first preference in employment at the upcoming Vadhavan Port, warning that any attempt to deny them their rights would face strong resistance.

Also read: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority Chairman says Vadhavan port will be a game changer for India

Addressing election rallies in Dahanu and Palghar ahead of the December 2 local elections, Mr Fadnavis highlighted the scale of the project and said it was a game-changer for the region. “Vadhavan Port will be among the world’s leading ports and will be the first of its kind in India. It is expected to create jobs for around 10,000 people and I have instructed the authorities that priority will be given to Palghar locals for jobs here,” he said.

He also said that 56 companies have already signed agreements and initiated training programs. “These affairs belong to the sons and daughters of this land. If anyone tries to sideline the local people, I will personally intervene. We will not rest until the people of Palghar get what they deserve.”

Developed in two phases by Vadhvan Port Project Limited (VPPL), the ₹76,200-crore greenfield port will have nine container terminals of 1,000 meters each, four multi-purpose berths including a coastal berth, four liquid cargo berths, a Ro-Ro berth and a Coast Guard berth.

On concerns of the fishing community about the impact on their livelihood, the CM promised modern fishing facilities to sustain their livelihood. “The Koli community will have access to a state-of-the-art fishing harbour, advanced boats and deep-sea fishing facilities. We will also support traditional fishing practices,” he said.

Describing Palghar as India’s fastest growing district and the core of the future “Fourth Mumbai”, Mr Fadnavis announced that work on the country’s first offshore airport in the region would begin soon. He also outlined plans to strengthen connectivity with Mumbai by extending the Mumbai Coastal Highway to Virar and eventually to Dahanu.

He assured that a comprehensive development plan has been prepared to balance growth with environmental protection. “As we pursue development, we will protect the jali (water), forest (forests) and zameen (land) of the district, nothing will be affected and the balance between environment and development projects will be maintained. You need to trust me, trust our government and give me five years to transform your lives for the better,” he said.