Assessing the influence of special economic zone in India: with special emphasis to port-based SEZs in India)

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in India, specifically focusing on Port-Based SEZs (PBSEZs), and how they promote industrial development, economic expansion, and international trade integration. In addition to a case study of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) SEZ, the research employs a mixed-methods approach to analyse secondary data from government reports, SEZ authority publications, and academic studies. The results show that SEZs have a major impact on India's economy, especially in terms of export growth; in FY 2023–2024, SEZs accounted for almost 20% of all exports from the country. By utilizing port proximity to lower logistics costs and increase trade efficiency, PBSEZs like JNPA and Mundra improve these results. These are further supported by infrastructure developments, such as JNPA's connection to the Dedicated Freight Corridor.