Land acquisition for the proposed Vadhavan Port project in Palghar district has gathered pace, with the district administration announcing compensation rates for agricultural and non-agricultural land across 24 villages.
According to a statement issued by the Palghar district collectorate, agricultural land in most villages of Palghar taluka has been valued at Rs 62.5 lakh per hectare. For non-agricultural land, village-wise rates have been fixed between Rs 780 and Rs 2,940 per square metre. In Dahanu taluka, however, higher compensation rates have been declared for select villages. Agricultural land in Varor, Chinchani and Tanashi has been pegged at Rs 1,16,44,106 per hectare, while in Bavde, Kolavali and Vangaon, the rate has been set at Rs 1,22,42,408 per hectare. For certain other villages in Dahanu, the Rs 62.5 lakh per hectare benchmark will apply. The port project, a flagship infrastructure initiative of the state and central governments, is being jointly developed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB). It is envisioned as a major deep-sea port aimed at boosting cargo capacity on India’s western coast and easing congestion at existing facilities.
District collector Dr Indu Rani Jakhar chaired a review meeting to expedite the acquisition process, stating that land required for associated road and railway connectivity is being acquired on a “war footing.” A total of 24 villages 14 in Palghar taluka and 10 in Dahanu taluka fall within the acquisition zone. Officials said project-affected persons (PAPs) will receive compensation at double the prevailing market value, in accordance with land acquisition norms. In addition, landholders will be entitled to a 100% solatium amount and an additional 12% interest on the base compensation rate calculated from August 29, 2024. Separate valuations will also be conducted for built structures, trees, wells, borewells and other immovable assets located on the acquired land. Authorities stated that these measures are intended to ensure maximum financial protection to affected landowners under statutory provisions.
The announcement of rates is seen as a crucial step toward accelerating groundwork for the port and its supporting infrastructure. Once operational, Vadhavan Port is expected to significantly enhance maritime trade capacity in Maharashtra and strengthen India’s logistics network along the Arabian Sea corridor.
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Palghar Announces Land Rates For Vadhavan Port