Vizag port to invite fresh bids for two berths

Visakhapatnam Port will soon invite fresh bids for construction of two berths under public-private partnership.

“Within one or two days we would call for fresh request for qualification bids for EQ-1 and EQ-1A berths. We will soon finalise the bids and by the end of this financial year start construction,” Ajay Kallam, chairman, Vizag Port, said.

A few months ago, the port had invited tenders for construction of EQ-1 and EQ-1A berths, in which companies like L&T and Navayuga Engineering expressed interest.

However, with the Centre finalising the PPP norms for port projects, it decided to reinvite tenders. “Besides, we have changed some of the designs of the project,” Kallam said.

The two berths would cost over Rs 650 crore and the entire investment would be borne by private players. The work involves erection of mechanised handling facilities, deepening of berthing area from the existing 10 metre to 14 metre and development of backup area and stock yards.