Maharashtra Sets Sail For Maritime Jobs: Rs 120 Cr Foreign Investment To Train 7,000 Youths Annually

Maharashtra has taken a major step towards creating thousands of new jobs in the maritime and logistics sectors by signing a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth Rs 120 crore with foreign partners.

The MoU brings together the skill development department, ports department, Atal Solutions, International BV Netherlands, and MD Rural Group to modernise six Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Mumbai, Pune, Baramati, Sindhudurg, Nagpur, and Nashik.

With participation from international credit agencies from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Poland, the project aims to provide world-class training to 5,000 to 7,000 youths every year, preparing them for emerging opportunities in the port and logistics industry.

The signing took place in the chief minister’s chamber at Mumbai Vidhan Bhavan, in the presence of CM Devendra Fadnavis, his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, ports minister Nitesh Rane, and skill development minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.

Chief minister Fadnavis said this landmark collaboration will help Maharashtra build a global identity in port sector skill development. “Projects like Vadhavan Port will generate large-scale jobs. This partnership will ensure our youth are equipped with the skills needed for the maritime industry of the future," he said.

Under this initiative, selected ITIs will be upgraded with modern simulation labs, international curricula, maritime transport courses, and training by global experts. The goal is to build India’s first export-ready vocational training model, ensuring that Maharashtra’s workforce is not only ready for local projects like JNPT and Vadhavan but can also compete globally.

The €12 million (~Rs 120 crore) investment will be managed through an ECA-based financing model, with risk insurance to cover political and financial uncertainties. The project will be implemented by the Rural Enhancer Group, with support from JNPT and the Maharashtra Maritime Board.

Officials believe this model will set an example for other states to follow, giving Maharashtra’s youth access to high-quality skill development and steady employment in one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.