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JSW Infra eyes government ports privatisation

2023-11-09

The joint managing director of JSW Infrastructure, India's second biggest port operator by volumes, expressed the company's interest in exploring port privatisation opportunities initiated by the government. He also mentioned their consideration of the mega transhipment port project at Galathea bay in the Great Nicobar Island. Arun Maheshwari, who is also the CEO of the Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Group company, stated, "The government is creating significant opportunities in India. As the second largest port company in India with a strong balance sheet and the ability to grow in this sector, we will assess every major opportunity in the ports sector." He added, "We are looking into the Galathea project, but we are not completely certain about proceeding with it."

JSW Infrastructure, along with nine other companies including Dutch dredging contractor Royal Boskalis Westminster NV, Rail Vikas Nigam, Container Corporation of India, and Essar Ports, has submitted expressions of interest for the Galathea bay project. According to TK Ramachandran, the secretary of the ministry of shipping, the project's estimated worth is between Rs 650-850 billion. JSW Infrastructure currently operates nine state port concessions situated on the west and east coasts of India.