CONCOR Joins Hands with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure for Container Terminal Operations
In a significant development for India’s logistics and maritime sector, Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) has entered into a strategic partnership with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (BPIPL). On 4th September 2025, the two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi, formalising CONCOR’s role as the operator and manager of the upcoming container terminal at Bhavnagar Port in Gujarat. The agreement not only underscores CONCOR’s ambition to expand beyond its traditional logistics operations but also signals a new phase of growth for Bhavnagar Port as it transforms into a major maritime hub.
The terminal will be located on the north side of Bhavnagar Port, a site that has already attracted significant attention as Gujarat positions itself at the forefront of India’s port-led industrial growth. The partnership builds upon the foundation laid last year when BPIPL signed an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024. That agreement provided BPIPL with 235 hectares of land on a 30-year lease, with an option to expand the project by another 250 hectares in the future. This substantial land allocation reflects the long-term vision to develop Bhavnagar Port into a multipurpose facility capable of handling a diverse mix of cargo and trade demands.
According to BPIPL officials, the project represents an investment of around Rs. 4,500 crore. The development blueprint includes multiple components designed to support the growing requirements of industries and exporters in Gujarat and beyond. At the core of the project is a state-of-the-art Container Terminal with three berths, which CONCOR will now operate under the MoU. Alongside this, the port will feature a Multipurpose Terminal with two berths, a dedicated Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Terminal to facilitate vehicle and machinery movement, and a proposed Liquid Cargo Handling Terminal to accommodate specialized cargo. Collectively, these facilities will position Bhavnagar Port as a versatile gateway for both domestic and international trade.
One of the most compelling aspects of this project is its strategic geographical advantage. Bhavnagar Port lies close to Central Gujarat and the fast-developing Dholera Industrial Belt, which has been envisioned as one of the country’s most modern industrial corridors. The port is also expected to cater to clients far beyond Gujarat, including businesses in the National Capital Region (NCR). Improved connectivity and reliable handling capacity will allow Bhavnagar to attract cargo that currently moves through other ports, thereby easing congestion at established facilities such as Mundra and Pipavav.
For CONCOR, this partnership marks a critical step in its strategic journey. Traditionally known as India’s leading player in containerized rail logistics, the company has now entered the sphere of port operations, signaling its commitment to forward integration. By managing a container terminal directly, CONCOR gains control over a vital part of the supply chain, allowing it to deliver more seamless services to its clients. This move could also enhance the company’s competitiveness in an increasingly integrated logistics landscape where customers expect end-to-end solutions rather than fragmented services.
On the occasion of signing the MoU, Sanjay Swarup, Chairman and Managing Director of CONCOR, highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration. He stated that the partnership would deliver substantial value to customers, particularly by improving operational efficiency and reducing logistics costs. Swarup emphasized that aligning with Bhavnagar Port would not only consolidate CONCOR’s leadership position but also reinforce its commitment to supporting India’s broader logistics and trade ambitions.
The port project also reflects the growing importance of Gujarat as the heart of India’s maritime economy. Over the past two decades, the state has steadily expanded its port capacity, positioning itself as a crucial link in global trade routes. With the addition of Bhavnagar Port’s new container and multipurpose facilities, Gujarat is set to strengthen its dominance in the sector even further. For local industries—ranging from chemicals and textiles to engineering goods and automobiles—the port offers the promise of faster access to markets and reduced reliance on distant terminals.
Equally important are the broader economic implications. The Rs. 4,500 crore investment is expected to create a significant number of direct and indirect jobs in the region, from construction activities to long-term port operations. The presence of a Ro-Ro terminal, in particular, is likely to boost automotive exports, while the proposed liquid cargo facility could attract petrochemical industries to establish operations nearby. Over time, the port is anticipated to become a catalyst for industrial growth across Saurashtra and Central Gujarat, feeding into India’s ambition of becoming a global manufacturing and logistics hub.
Industry experts believe that CONCOR’s entry into port operations comes at a timely moment. With India’s trade volumes projected to grow steadily in the coming decade, the need for integrated logistics players who can handle cargo seamlessly from the port to the hinterland is becoming more pressing. By combining its existing strengths in inland container depots, rail services, and freight movement with new port capabilities, CONCOR could set a precedent for other logistics firms to follow.
The collaboration between CONCOR and BPIPL also reflects a broader policy thrust from both the central and state governments to encourage private participation in port development. As India pursues its maritime vision under the Sagarmala program, partnerships like this one will be instrumental in unlocking efficiencies and driving innovation across the sector.
With construction and development work expected to gain momentum over the next few years, Bhavnagar Port’s new container terminal is poised to emerge as a game-changer for the region’s trade ecosystem. For CONCOR, it represents not only a bold diversification but also a chance to shape the future of India’s integrated logistics industry.
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