JNPT to vie with Adani, JSW, Posco for Dighi Port

NEW DELHI: Government-owned Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) is set for a face-off with nearly half-a-dozen corporate giants, including Adani Ports, JSW and Posco to acquire Dighi Port that is facing insolvency action.
In April, the National Company Law Tribunal had ordered initiation of bankruptcy resolution process and Monday is the last day for submitting bids. The resolution professional has admitted claims of Rs 2,600 crore against the firm.Under law, the process has to be completed within 270 days.
Though Dighi Port does not have deep draft, it’s being seen as a crucial asset for JNPT considering that the minor port is located just 75 nautical miles off the country’s largest port. JNPTcould use Dighi Port for handling general, liquid and bulk cargo and it would be an expansion of a government-owned entity, sources told TOI.
“All departments are on board for JNPT’s bid to take over the company ,” an official said, adding that there was a need for expansion of ports on west coast, which will push Maharashtra’s economic development.