DP World wants longer contracts at its five terminals, to invest $700-800 mn more, says CEO Yuvraj Narayan

DP World Announces $5 Billion Investment Plan for India

DP World, the Dubai-based logistics giant, intends to invest another $5 billion in India over the next five to seven years, according to Group CEO Yuvraj Narayan. The announcement, made in an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, underscores the company's commitment to expanding its footprint across the country's supply-chain infrastructure.

Narayan revealed that DP World already has between $2 billion and $3 billion invested in India. "We already have, I think, two to three billion dollars invested in India, and over the next five to seven years we have another $5 billion to invest," he said. The investment will target not just ports but also coastal shipping, container rail, and other logistics segments.

Diversifying Beyond Ports

India is positioning itself as a manufacturing and export hub amid a global shift toward diversified supply chains. Narayan said DP World is looking at "major opportunities across the supply chain," indicating a strategic pivot from its traditional port operations to end-to-end logistics. The company already operates port concessions, has invested in container rail, and is a significant player in India's coastal shipping market.

Narayan emphasized India's unique advantages, including its large domestic market, favorable demographics, and skilled workforce. "I think there's a massive opportunity as these decisions are being made, across the world, that where do we go if we want to diversify our basis for procurement?" he said, pointing to a five-year window for India to capitalize on global supply-chain realignment.

Push for Longer-Term Concessions

In a separate development, Narayan urged the Indian government to consider longer-term ownership structures for existing port concessions that are set to expire over the next five years. DP World operates five terminals in India: Nhava Sheva International Container Terminal, Nhava Sheva (India) Gateway Terminal, Mundra, Vallarpadam, and Chennai.

Narayan argued that the current model—where assets revert to the government at the end of the concession period—discourages operators from investing in upgrades. "What I would like is a long-term arrangement. I will continue to invest and expand, and you be a shareholder. If I make money, you make money," he said. He favors joint ventures with perpetual or substantially longer tenures, with DP World retaining majority ownership where necessary.

Policy Environment and Upcoming Projects

Narayan called for a more predictable regulatory framework, emphasizing the need for "rationalization, simplification and sensibility" and greater trust between public authorities and private investors. He also highlighted the upcoming Tuna Tekra mega container terminal in Gujarat, which is expected to become operational next year.

Beyond infrastructure, DP World is sourcing containers from Indian manufacturers and has committed to buying two years' output from a domestic producer, according to Narayan.

Outlook

Narayan described India as "a growth place" that will feed into DP World's global network. The company's expansion plans come as India works to strengthen its position in global trade, but Narayan noted that challenges remain, including the need for better port connectivity and infrastructure planning.