NAVI MUMBAI: India's first port-based multi-product special economic zone (SEZ) will have a township of its own spread across 77 hectares for a population potential of 8,000-10,000 as part of walk-to-work culture.
A contractor was appointed few days ago for undertaking the infra works. JNPT will spend around Rs 500 crore for the work under EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) model. Work will roll out in a fortnight. The township will be part of a 277-hectare landmass.
The JNPT
SEZ is a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who laid the foundation stone on his maiden visit to the country's largest container port on August 16, 2014. It will be a hub of industry and bustle with people. A recreational centre, schools, club houses, restaurants, bars and even a discotheque is being look at, according to JNPT deputy chairman, Neeraj Bansal.
About 50-60% of the fencing work was over. The authorities will level the ground for the various infra facilities to be provided.
Both foreign and domestic investors are said to have shown interest in the project and there was a likelihood of foreigners also residing. The township will be a state-of-the art presentation of good lifestyle with world class infra, green open spaces and an environment-friendly ambience. It will be developed as per guidelines of the SEZ board of approval (an inter-ministerial central government body) by a co-developer.
Ernst and Young, consultant for the project, has mapped out different areas for industrial plots and the township. The landmass is alongside state highway 54 and 4km from the waterfront of the port terminals.
Proximity to the proposed international airport (15km) and Mumbai airport (60km), good roads (Rs 3,000 crore infra spend rolled out for lane-widening of highways), rail connectivity to Panvel, proposed CST-Panvel elevated rail corridor and a dedicated freight corridor for cargo will promise a speedy commute and facilitate trade.
Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com