MUMBAI: Enhanced shipping connectivity through DP World-run Mundra International Container Terminal (MICT) is forecast to drive an additional $6.4 billion in goods exports and a $9.2 billion GDP impact by 2035, per a study commissioned by the Dubai government-owned port operator.
MICT contributed $128.9 million to India’s GDP in 2024, including $118.8 million within Gujarat.
The terminal supported approximately 1,880 jobs nationwide, including 1,240 in Gujarat, while driving economic activity across logistics, transportation, manufacturing, retail and services, according to the study conducted by Oxford Economics, a global advisory firm.
Nearly one in four jobs associated with the terminal are held by women, reflecting strong participation across the wider ecosystem, the study said.
Around 10 per cent of employees are under the age of 25, highlighting growing opportunities for young talent in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
The findings form part of the ‘DP World Effect’, a global research programme that explores how trade infrastructure creates economic growth, jobs and community impacts across DP World’s network in more than 80 countries.
This is the first ever ‘effect study’ commissioned by DP world with the intent of understanding the real value delivered to partners across the larger ecosystem, going beyond business and commercial goals.
MICT was selected for the first ‘effect study’ in the region given its multimodal connectivity, a key strength of DP World, complemented by end-to-end integrated solutions, offering significant advantage to importers and exports that are looking to build robust supply chains and help them navigate shifting industry dynamics.
“When infrastructure is built for scale, efficiency and connectivity, it becomes a powerful driver of both economic growth and social progress. At DP World Mundra, we are enabling faster, more reliable trade while creating better jobs, building skills and expanding opportunities for businesses and communities,” said Hemant Kumar Ruia, Country Manager, DP World Subcontinent (India).
In June 2003, the Adani Group sold the first container terminal at its flagship Mundra port to P&O Ports (since acquired by DP World through a global deal) for $195 million. MICT is India’s first greenfield container terminal within a non-major port.
Serving as key gateway
Over two decades, MICT has become a key gateway for containerised trade serving Gujarat, western and northern India.
DP World’s terminal concession at Mundra port is co-terminus with the 30-year concession awarded by the Gujarat government to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) for Mundra – India’s biggest commercial port by volumes handled – which will end in February 2031.
DP World has invested some $1.2 billion in India since 1997 and is currently the only foreign port operator running five terminals at strategic growth locations in Mundra, Jawaharlal Nehru, Chennai and Cochin ports. These terminals handle close to 5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) a year, accounting for a market share of about 20 per cent of India’s annual container volumes shipped through its ports.
Commissioned in 2003, MICT has grown into a major gateway for containerised trade, handling more than 19 million TEUs to date, including 1.4 million TEUs in 2024, serving key industrial and consumption centres across western and northern India.
MICT connects India to 73 global ports and handles ultra-large container vessels of up to 19,200 TEUs, supported by multimodal rail connectivity across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi. This has enhanced supply chain efficiency, enabling Indian businesses to compete more effectively in global markets, the Oxford Economics study said.
For local businesses in Gujarat such as Aten Papers and Foam Limited, improved port and inland connectivity through Mundra have enabled more efficient sourcing of recyclable materials from international markets, supporting growth in domestic recycling and manufacturing.
“India is heavily dependent on recycled paper, but local supply remains limited. Through Mundra Port, we have been able to source wastepaper from global markets more efficiently, supported by DP World’s reliable rail and inland connectivity in the region. Improved trade infrastructure has helped us grow our recycling-led paper business responsibly, reducing waste, protecting natural resources while creating stable livelihoods in the community,” said Mohammad Arif Lakhani, Director, Aten Papers.
