It is reported that 2000 boats are involved in fishing activity near Wadhwan which give livelihood to 2000 families. This claim must be studied and actual losses should be assessed and properly addressed to before going ahead with the construction of Wadhwan port..
However there are man good things about Proposed Wadhwan Port:
- Wadhwan port near Dahanu (WRly) is a very good move as Mumbai port could not be expanded further.
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more... Goods trains from this port (Unlile MbPT/JNPT) to North India don't have to cross the crowded Mumbai area
- it is nearer to Main consumption centre (Delhi+North India) by 150-200kms so transportation cost is likely to be lesser.
- Deeper natural draft (20M) than Mumbai & JNPT (14-15Monly) shall permit handling of larger ships leading to reduction in cost of transportion. Initially planned for bulk goods, this port may handle container traffic as well in future.
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Wadhwan port can offer more opportunities.
* There is no doubt that Port has played a vital role in the development of Mumbai from a cluster of island villages to a Mega city of over 20 million people in a long span of about 4 centuries.
* But today Mumbai Port Trust has become a problem for the city as transportation of goods loaded and unloaded in the port, into and out of the Megacity is chocking the roads and rail lines.
* Shifting of the MbP to suitable nearby location is need of the hour.
* Additional capacity created at Wadhwan port shall facilitate shifting of Mumbai port trust activities to this port.
* Huge tract of lands owned by Mumbai port Trust (Biggest landlord of Mumbai) shall give the Maximum city, much needed land to grow and de-congest.
* Large network of rail lines in port area shall help immensely to develop much needed Suburban Railway route(s)
* Elimination of Truck traffic from/to the port shall reduce the congestion of roads in Mumbai.