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

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday (November 26, 2025) assured that residents of Palghar district 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 due would face strong resistance. 

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

Speaking at election rallies in Dahanu and Palghar ahead of the December 2 local body polls, Mr. Fadnavis highlighted the scale of the project, calling it a game-changer for the region. “Vadhavan Port will rank among the world’s leading ports and will be the first of its kind in India. It is expected to generate nearly 10 lakh jobs and I have instructed the officials that the priority in jobs here will be given to the locals of Palghar,” he said. 

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

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

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

Calling Palghar the fastest-growing district in India and the nucleus of a future “Fourth Mumbai,” Mr. Fadnavis announced that work on the country’s first offshore airport in the district will begin soon. He also outlined plans to extend the Mumbai Coastal Road up to Virar and eventually Dahanu, strengthening connectivity with Mumbai. 

A comprehensive development blueprint has been prepared to balance growth with environmental protection, he assured. “We will safeguard the district’s jal (water), jungle (forests), and zameen (land) while pursuing development, nothing will be affected and the balance between environment and development projects will remain. You need to trust me, trust our government and allow me five years’ time to transform your lives for the better, “he said.