The government has set up a cell to speed work and monitor the setting up of the Chabahar port in Iran within a deadline. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) has nominated four officers for coordinating the work. The Union Cabinet decided to set up a special purpose vehicle (SPV), with equity participation from Kandla Port Trust (KPT) and JNPT. After setting up the cell, a consultant would be appointed to prepare the memorandum of association, equity structure and the details of the SPV. The two ports would sign a contract with Iran´s Port and Maritime Organisation for undertaking the project.
Located on the confluence of the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman in southeastern Iran, Chabahar is India´s first foreign port project. While the port is outside the Persian Gulf, it´s strategically significant, providing access to Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond.