Local sources report that the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in India is expected to launch soon a tender for the construction and operation of the fourth terminal of the port. The project is estimated at Rs 9,000 crore ($1.6 billion) and JNPT is expected to split the project into two.

The fourth container terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust has been delayed by more than three years as a consortium of Port of Singapore and ABG Ports was unable to finance the project and requested to withdraw in September 2012. The consortium offered a too optimistic bid.

The fourth terminal at JNPT will have a capacity of 4.8 million teu and a berth of 2 km in length which will make it one of the largest in the country. The project is expected to reduce the capacity constraints at the port as it operates at more than 100% of its capacity.

Companies looking to participate in the project include Dubai-based DP World, Maersk-operated APM Terminals, Adani Ports, Essar Ports and Larsen & Toubro.