Motherson- Adani Ports Ink Pact to Build Auto Export Hub at Dighi Port
In a major boost to India’s automotive logistics and export capabilities, Motherson, through its joint venture Samvardhana Motherson Hamakyorex Engineered Logistics Ltd (SAMRX), has signed an agreement with Dighi Port Limited (DPL), a subsidiary of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), to establish a dedicated automobile export facility at the Dighi Port in Maharashtra. The collaboration marks a significant step toward building a modern, efficient, and globally competitive logistics ecosystem that aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The new facility, designed to handle up to 2 lakh vehicles annually, is expected to reshape how finished automobiles are transported from India to global markets. Located strategically along the Maharashtra coastline, Dighi Port serves as one of APSEZ’s 15 key ports and is now set for a major expansion to strengthen its role in supporting India’s fast-growing automotive manufacturing sector.
Announcing the partnership on Friday, the companies highlighted that the facility will function as a dedicated RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) terminal, capable of providing seamless export and import services for leading automobile manufacturers. This comes at a time when India’s vehicle exports are rising steadily, with domestic automakers seeking faster, cheaper and more dependable port infrastructure to support their global ambitions.
Ashwani Gupta, CEO and Whole-time Director of Adani Ports, said the collaboration blends the core strengths of APSEZ and Motherson to create a robust, future-ready automotive logistics network. “By combining APSEZ’s integrated infrastructure capabilities with Motherson’s expertise, we are creating a seamless, resilient network for vehicle movement across the country. This RoRo terminal will not only accelerate trade and enhance supply chain efficiency but also deliver long-term value to our customers and the communities we serve,” he said.
Dighi Port, which has been undergoing a series of development initiatives since its acquisition by Adani Ports, is well-positioned to become a major automobile hub for manufacturers based in Maharashtra. The facility is expected to serve automakers from the Mumbai–Pune auto belt—one of India’s largest clusters for vehicle production—offering them a closer and more efficient gateway for exports.
Industry experts note that until now, automobile exporters in the region have largely depended on distant terminals such as Mumbai Port or Mundra Port in Gujarat. The new infrastructure at Dighi is expected to reduce transportation time and costs significantly, giving companies more flexibility in planning shipments and meeting global demand cycles.
According to the companies, the planned terminal will feature state-of-the-art storage yards, superior vehicle-handling equipment, and advanced digital systems to coordinate ship loading and logistics operations. The project is designed to provide end-to-end value, from inland movement of factory-finished cars to efficient loading onto specialized RoRo vessels.
Laksh Vaaman Sehgal, Vice Chairman of the Motherson Group, said the agreement reinforces the company’s commitment to building integrated logistics solutions tailored specifically for the automotive sector. “This partnership with APSEZ is a significant step forward in our mission to provide integrated, world-class logistics solutions to the automotive industry. With this facility, we aim to support India’s growing prominence as a global manufacturing and export hub,” he said.
The announcement also comes at a time when the Indian government is encouraging higher levels of domestic manufacturing, as well as improved logistics performance, under its ‘Make in India’ and Gati Shakti initiatives. Efficient port-based logistics are considered critical to minimizing the shipping and turnaround times for exporters, especially in industries such as automotive, where delivery cycles and global competitiveness rely heavily on logistics infrastructure.
The Dighi Port RoRo terminal is expected to strengthen India’s position in global auto exports, which have seen steady growth in recent years, driven by demand for compact cars, two-wheelers, and increasingly, electric vehicles produced in India. With major global players sourcing vehicles from Indian plants, the need for dedicated export terminals has been rising.
SAMRX, the Motherson joint venture driving the project, specializes in engineered logistics solutions for vehicle manufacturers. Its involvement ensures that the new facility will meet global standards for vehicle safety, handling and efficiency. The company already manages several logistics operations for leading auto OEMs and will bring that expertise to the Dighi development.
For Adani Ports, the agreement strengthens its position as India’s leading port infrastructure provider, expanding its footprint in specialized logistics services. APSEZ has made significant investments in developing multi-cargo ports along India’s coastline, and the latest partnership signals its growing focus on value-added, sector-specific infrastructure.
The companies have not yet disclosed the financial details or the expected completion timeline for the new export facility. However, they emphasized that work will progress swiftly, with the goal of making Dighi a preferred port of choice for automobile exports in western India.
With India projected to become the world’s third-largest automotive market, the demand for dedicated logistics and port infrastructure is only expected to rise. The Motherson–Adani collaboration at Dighi Port is likely to serve as an important model for future public-private and industry-led partnerships aimed at boosting India’s logistics competitiveness.
As the new facility takes shape, industry stakeholders view the development as a timely and strategic investment that not only supports exporters but also contributes to India’s broader economic goals. If executed as envisioned, Dighi Port could emerge as a major hub in the region, transforming the country’s automotive export landscape for years to come.
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