(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
Mumbai, October 20, 2018: Port-led economic growth and acceleration of industrial growth have been accorded priorities by the central government. Under ‘Make in India’ programme, making Indian goods competitive in the global markets by reducing the logistics costs is also a major initiative of the government. Setting up of themulti-product JNPT-SEZ on freehold land of 277 hectares was conceived under the aegis of ‘Sagarmala’ programme of the ministry of shipping and is expected to attract global majors and be a game changer for the economy of the region.
Nitin Gadkari, honourable minister for Shipping, Road Transport, Highways and water
resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation handed over second round of land allotment certificates to successful bidders here today. Out of 450 acres of the leasable land for development, 75 acres of land have been allotted to 16 investors and JNPT has collected a premium of Rs 630 crores by allotting these to successful bidders through 3 tenders floated by JNPT.
Out of 16 bidders, 15 companies fall under MSME category signalling the potential to create good employment opportunities which will benefit primarily the local people.
10 bidders were awarded Letter of Intent at the function held in Mumbai, names are:

1. Hindustan Infralog Private Limited (DP World subsidiary)
2. S S Clutch Mfg. Co Pvt Ltd
3. Sarveshwar Logistics Services Pvt. Ltd.
4. RK Sweet Mars Pvt. Ltd.
5. Sarveshwar Logistics Services Pvt. Ltd.
6. Spareage Sealing solutions LLP
7. OWS Warehouse Services LLP
8. Rudra Flexipack LLP
9. RK Flexo Printers Packers LLP
10. SG Pharma Pvt Ltd

JNPT-SEZ has made substantial progress after Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the project in 2014. The SEZ has made 35% progress in the EPC work and the EPC work is expected to be completed by July 2019.

It is expected that a total of ~4,000 direct employment will be created in the next two years while the overall potential to create employment is pegged at 25,000 jobs. A total

investment of Rs 450 crore is expected in the first 2 years and the total investment of Rs. 4,000 crore is expected in the entire SEZ. Speaking at a function after handing over the land allotment certificates, Gadkari said,” JNPT-SEZ is making smooth progress and I am very happy that global investors are taking great interest in setting up their units at JNPT-SEZ. Making India an industrial hub and producing goods in India at competitive costs are our major goals and JNPT-SEZ will go a long way in fulfilling this goal. Providing jobs to the local people and inclusive development of the region will be realised by JNPT-SEZ”. The Minister also shared that there is ample investment interest from global players and are expecting their bids to come in soon. The minister also observed that JNPT-SEZ has set up a very transparent and industry friendly policy for attracting investments. Some of these are:

 Completely online, paperless and transparent allotment process

 Clear land title (with all clearances) with state-of-the-art infrastructure being
provided (uninterrupted water supply, power supply, etc.)

 Single window approval as JNPT has SPA status, Electricity Distribution License from MERC (key selling point amongst investors)

 Excellent global/ domestic connectivity (~5 kms from JNPT, ~15 kms from Navi

Mumbai Airport, Node for DFC, Excellent connectivity to Mumbai through Trans-
harbour link)

 JNPT SEZ has a dedicated investor cell to help address all queries/ documentation for
potential investors