Maharashtra Signs ₹120 Cr Pact To Upgrade ITIs For Global-Standard Maritime Skill Training

In a significant step toward transforming Maharashtra into a hub for maritime industry skills, the state government has signed a ₹120 crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with international partners to modernize six industrial training institutes (ITIs) and provide global-standard training in the port and logistics sector.

The agreement was inked between the Maharashtra Skill Development Department, Ports Department, Atal Solutions International BV (Netherlands), and M.D. Rural Group. The initiative is supported by international credit agencies (ECAs) from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Poland, marking a strong foreign investment commitment to India’s port infrastructure growth.

The MoU signing ceremony took place at the Chief Minister’s chamber in Vidhan Bhavan, Mumbai, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane, and Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.

First Six ITIs Selected Across Maharashtra

In the first phase, ITIs in Mumbai, Pune, Baramati, Sindhudurg, Nagpur, and Nashik will be upgraded. These institutes will be equipped with cutting-edge maritime training facilities, simulation labs, international curricula, and expert-led certification programs. The initiative aims to train 5,000 to 7,000 students annually in high-demand port-related skills.

“A Future-Ready Maritime Workforce” — CM Fadnavis

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative in supporting mega port projects like JNPT and the upcoming Vadhavan Port. “This partnership will ensure the development of a highly skilled workforce, opening up large-scale employment opportunities for the youth of Maharashtra,” he said. He further stated that Maharashtra will establish a global identity in port sector skill development.

International Collaboration and Financing Model

The project is designed as a social impact initiative under an ECA-based financing model. The €12 million (~₹120 crore) investment includes risk insurance covering 98% political and 95% financial risks. The implementation will be handled by Rural Enhancer Group of India, with funding support from JNPT and the Maharashtra Maritime Board.

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Building India’s First Export-Capable Vocational Training Model

This initiative is expected to serve as India’s first “export-capable” vocational training model, setting a precedent for other states. Courses will cover maritime transport, port operations, and logistics in line with the evolving needs of the maritime industry.

Strengthening Maharashtra’s Maritime Vision

By aligning with the Maharashtra Maritime Vision, the state aims to create a future-ready workforce, modernize its training infrastructure, and emerge as a national and global leader in maritime skill development.

The initiative represents a bold step in public-private partnership, showcasing Maharashtra’s commitment to becoming a key player in the global maritime economy while empowering its youth with world-class employment opportunities.