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Dighi Port Car Exports Surge with Powerful New Partnership

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Motherson, through its joint venture Samvardhana Motherson Hamakyorex Engineered Logistics Limited (SAMRX), today announced an agreement with Dighi Port Limited (DPL), a subsidiary of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), to establish a dedicated facility for auto exports at the Dighi Port in Maharashtra.
This partnership comes at a time when India is pushing for a stronger export infrastructure. Maharashtra is home to major car-making hubs like Chakan and Pimpri, and these regions send large numbers of vehicles abroad. A modern export terminal will help speed up this process. SAMRX has been expanding its global logistics network, and APSEZ already manages some of India’s busiest ports, making this collaboration a strong match.

This strategic partnership will make Dighi Port the new automobile exports terminal for exporters in Mumbai to the Pune auto belt. As one of APSEZ’s 15 strategic ports, Dighi is now set to expand its capabilities to support India’s automotive growth story under the Make in India initiative, enabling seamless export and import of vehicles for global markets. The Mumbai–Pune belt is home to top car brands like Tata Motors, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz India and Volkswagen India. These companies export thousands of units each year. A closer port means lower travel time, less cost and safer movement of finished cars. The Make in India programme has pushed for more exports, and India’s car exports have crossed 6 lakh units per year. A modern RoRo facility at Dighi will support this growing demand.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr Ashwani Gupta, CEO & Whole-time Director, Adani Ports and SEZ, said, “Our partnership with Motherson at Dighi Port marks a significant step toward redefining automotive logistics in India. By combining APSEZ’s integrated infrastructure capabilities with Motherson’s expertise, we are creating a seamless, resilient network for vehicle movement across the country. This RoRo terminal will not only accelerate trade and enhance supply chain efficiency but also deliver long-term value to our customers and the communities we serve.”

APSEZ is India’s largest port operator, handling close to one-fourth of the country’s cargo. Its focus on integrated logistics includes rail, road and inland services. This makes the supply chain smoother for large industries. The company has been expanding its RoRo business to help move vehicles faster and with fewer carbon emissions, as RoRo vessels produce less damage and save fuel.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr Laksh Vaaman Sehgal, Vice Chairman, Motherson Group, said, “This partnership with APSEZ is a significant step forward in our mission to provide integrated, world-class logistics solutions to the automotive industry. By developing this RoRo terminal at Dighi Port, we are enhancing our service portfolio and also creating a strategic asset that will boost efficiency and reduce logistics costs for our OEM partners. This collaboration will strengthen India’s automotive supply chain and deliver tangible value to our customers.” Motherson is one of the world’s leading auto component makers with operations in more than 40 countries. Its logistics arm focuses on the safe movement of vehicles, using digital tracking and fast-moving systems. The company aims to support carmakers by reducing delays and improving quality checks before export.

The new RoRo ( Roll on and Roll off) terminal will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure to handle end-to-end Finished Vehicle (FV) logistics, streamlining operations for major automotive OEMs. SAMRX will invest in the terminal to vertically integrate its services, offering a comprehensive logistics solution with 360-degree cargo visibility. RoRo terminals help cars move onto ships using ramps instead of cranes. This reduces scratches and damage. Many global ports, such as Yokohama and Bremerhaven, use this method to handle millions of vehicles each year. The 360-degree cargo visibility will help track each car from the factory to the ship using sensors and smart software.

The facility will also provide value-added services, including:
• Single-window RoRo operations- yard, PDI, charging, storage and vessel loading handled end-to-end
This helps carmakers avoid using multiple service providers. It saves time and reduces errors during export.
• AI-driven yard optimisation, enabling near-zero dwell and real-time vehicle traceability
AI is now widely used in ports to plan parking, avoid congestion and speed up loading.
• Fastest OEM evacuation route from Maharashtra’s auto belt via NH-66
NH-66 offers a direct highway link from the auto factories to Dighi Port, giving faster delivery times.
• RoRo-ready jetty infrastructure (1.3 km) with sheltered water ensuring seamless all-weather operations
A sheltered harbour helps ships dock safely even during the monsoon.
• EV-ready logistics hub supporting next-generation electric vehicle exports
India’s EV exports are growing, and EVs need special care, including charging and temperature-safe storage.
• OEM-integrated visibility dashboards for load planning and live volume tracking
Large carmakers depend on real-time data to plan their production lines and shipping cycles.

Strategically located on the west coast, Dighi Port serves as a gateway for Maharashtra’s landlocked industrial corridors and heartland, offering closed warehouses, tank farms, and open stockyards for commodity storage. With direct berthing facilities and excellent road connectivity, the port is equipped to handle oil, chemical, container, and bulk cargo efficiently. Its expansion into RoRo operations marks a significant milestone in APSEZ’s vision to create integrated, future-ready logistics hubs. Dighi Port sits near major industrial towns and also connects to key freight routes. This makes it ideal for mixed cargo operations. Its deep draft allows larger ships to dock without delay, helping both local industries and exporters.

APSEZ, India’s largest integrated ports and logistics company, continues to strengthen its nationwide footprint through Dighi Port’s robust performance. This initiative reinforces APSEZ’s commitment to world-class port infrastructure, sustainable development, and seamless trade connectivity for India and global partners.
APSEZ has been investing in green port operations, including shore power, cleaner fuels and digital systems. This plan will help India meet its goal of becoming a major global manufacturing hub.