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The National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) has completed geophysical investigations for the proposed Vadhvan Port project in Navi Mumbai, identifying subsurface rock resources required for construction activity. According to the Ministry of Mines’ Annual Report 2025-26, the study covered three quarry sites in Palghar district and estimated that the project would require more than 65 million tonnes of armour rock and aggregates. The investigations mapped rock conditions up to a depth of 40 metres, identifying weathered rock, boulders and hard rock suitable for engineering and marine infrastructure works.
The National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Bengaluru, has completed a geophysical assessment for the proposed Vadhvan Port project in Navi Mumbai, with investigations identifying significant subsurface rock resources required for the construction of the port and associated infrastructure works. Advertisement
Details published in the Ministry of Mines’ Annual Report 2025-26 stated that the investigations were undertaken across three quarry locations in Maharashtra’s Palghar district to assess the availability and engineering suitability of rock resources for the project. The study estimated that the Vadhvan Port development would require more than 65 million tonnes of armour rock and aggregates.
According to the report, NIRM carried out geophysical imaging of subsurface rock conditions to a depth of nearly 40 metres. The exercise identified layers of weathered rock, rock boulders, destressed rock formations and hard rock deposits considered suitable for construction purposes. The assessment was intended to support the optimal utilisation of quarry resources and improve planning for excavation and material deployment during the construction phase.
The Vadhvan Port project is among the large-scale maritime infrastructure developments being pursued on India’s western coastline and is expected to require substantial quantities of rock aggregates for breakwaters, reclamation works and other marine engineering structures. Armour rock is a key material used in port construction to stabilise coastal and offshore structures against wave action and erosion.
The Ministry of Mines report listed the study under the activities of NIRM, an autonomous body functioning under the ministry. The institution undertakes research and technical studies related to rock engineering, mining and geotechnical applications for infrastructure and extractive sector projects across the country.
The annual report noted that the geophysical investigations were undertaken to improve understanding of subsurface geological conditions before large-scale extraction and deployment of quarry materials for the proposed port development. The assessment is also expected to assist authorities and project agencies in identifying suitable extraction zones within the quarry sites and reducing uncertainties associated with material availability.
The report did not disclose the project cost, construction timelines or details of the agencies involved in quarry operations. However, the findings indicate that substantial rock resources have been identified within the Palghar district to support the engineering requirements of the planned deep-draft port project.
NIRM, headquartered in Bengaluru, functions under the Ministry of Mines alongside other autonomous research institutions including the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre. The institute undertakes specialised studies in rock mechanics, geotechnical engineering and mining-related investigations for infrastructure and industrial projects.
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