BHUJ: The port town of Mandvi is the latest in the list of towns which have been witnessing all-round development. Bhuj, Bhachau, Gandhidham, Mundra and Abdassa taluka of Kutch district are already doing well in the infrastructure sector. According to Mandvi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Vadilal Doshi, as many as six companies have shown interest in constructing a jetty near Modhva coastal area, about 10 km from Mandvi. This is because of the 4,000 MW power plant being set up by Tata Group near Mundra. The spot of this proposed power plant is about 10 km from this place.

The state government has invited applications from interested parties who wish to construct cargo jetties. This would give a thrust to the development of Mandvi port, which was at one time a flourishing port on the western coastline. However, Mandvi had not received much attention at a time when Kandla and Mundra saw a lot of development as ports. During the Vibrant Gujarat this year, Modhva had been selected for developing as a port. Adani Group and Ashapura Group, beside six other major players, have shown interest in developing it.

MCCI had requested the state government to develop Mandvi port by developing its adjoining coastal areas like Modhva, Traghdi, Gundiyali, Rawalpir, Dhrabudi, Nana Layja and Asher Mata areas, four years ago. The Gujarat Maritime Board has suggested the development of Modhva, an otherwise small village inhabited by about 1,300 fishermen families. Besides the location of new power plant, a bauxite-based aluminium plant is also proposed to be set up near this village

Courtesy: Times of India - New Delhi,India