Yuvraj Narayan, chief executive of Dubai-based DP World, has called for a structural shift in India's port development framework. Speaking to The Hindu BusinessLine, Narayan argued that traditional time-bound concessions, such as thirty-year contracts, often fail to align with the long lifecycle of port infrastructure. He contended that operators require extended periods to stabilize operations and recover investments, suggesting that joint ventures between governments and private entities could provide the necessary stability for sustained development.
Under the model Narayan advocates, the government would retain ownership of underlying port assets while partnering with private operators through long-term agreements. Performance would be measured against agreed key performance indicators, reducing the uncertainty associated with repeated tenders and contract renewals. According to The Hindu BusinessLine, Narayan stated that this approach would allow operators to fund capacity upgrades and technological improvements without the constant risk of losing their stake.
DP World is currently expanding its footprint in India, where it manages five container terminals handling six million TEUs annually. The company has committed an extra $5 billion to bolster its maritime, rail, and logistics assets in the country, following roughly $3 billion deployed over three decades. The Hindu BusinessLine reported that the firm is also evaluating prospects at the Vadhavan port in Maharashtra, estimating that project could require $10 billion in capital over ten to fifteen years.
Narayan also differentiated between a gateway strategy and transshipment, contending that India should prioritize linking domestic exports and imports to global markets rather than chasing transshipment volumes. He observed that transshipment advantages frequently benefit shipping lines more than the local economy. The Hindu BusinessLine added that DP World’s Indian activities encompass warehousing, freight forwarding, and inland rail hubs, designed to enhance links between coastal ports and interior regions.
The push for a durable infrastructure model arrives amid disruptions in West Asia, which have highlighted weaknesses in global supply chains. Narayan cited restrictions at Jebel Ali port in Dubai as an example of how localized interruptions can generate congestion across wider networks. He suggested that firms are increasingly compelled to hold backup suppliers and pathways, elevating operating costs for end-users. The Hindu BusinessLine noted that DP World has also inked a deal with Cochin Shipyard to build maritime capabilities in India, utilizing its know-how in ship repair and engineering services.