Higher compensation and faster acquisition seen as key to timely execution of mega port project

JN Port Authority to Spend ₹2,300 Crore on Land Acquisition for Vadhvan Port Connectivity.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) will spend around ₹2,300 crore to acquire 606 hectares of land for road and rail connectivity for the Vadhvan port project in Maharashtra—almost three times the initial estimate of ₹800 crore. The land acquisition is being carried out across 24 villages in Palghar district, where land prices vary significantly based on proximity to the coast. As per the award declared by the district collector, around 60% of the land has been valued at ₹1.62 crore per hectare, while land near the port area is priced as high as ₹12.20 crore per hectare. Six villages close to the shoreline have received the highest compensation. Project-affected persons will be paid double the market value along with a 100% solatium and 12% interest, as mandated under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013. Officials said the higher payouts have made landowners more willing sellers compared to earlier infrastructure projects.