As a part of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit -2007, the Gujarat government has recieved around 150 Expression of Interest (EoI) applications from private players for the development of ports, including captive jetties and other projects. | |
| However, MoU are likely be signed at Vibrant Gujarat event on January 12 and 13, 2007. |
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| According to sources, of these EoIs some 20 EoIs are for the much hyped privatisation of four greenfield port sites in the state. The government is likely to announce the final list of EoIs for the greenfield sites on January 6. |
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| A highly-placed source of the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), while speaking to Business Standard, said, "There are some 150 EoIs lined up for the ports development and it is likely that majority of the MoUs will be signed at the forthcoming summit." |
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| "We have invited EoIs for the development of greenfield port sites at Mithivirdi, Vansiborsi, Simar and Bedi. This is our second attempt. December 15 was the last date for filing applications and we have received more than 20 applications." |
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| He added that the final approved list of EoIs for the greenfield port sites would be announced on January 6. |
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| The state government signed MoUs for these greenfield sites during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit-2005. |
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| However, except Adanis, the developers and operators of Mundra port, all other firms, who had signed MoU for Simar, Vansiborsi and Mithivirdi during Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summit 2005 were disqualified as they were found to be incompetent. So the government had to invite EoIs afresh in 2006. |
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| It is believed that during the second attempt the infrastructure majors like Larsen & Toubro, Seaking Infrastructure Ltd, Simplex and Infrastructure Lease and Financial Services(IL&FS) are among the companies who have submitted the EoIs. |
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| The dates for submitting the EoIs were extended to December 15 as the government received a good response this time. |
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| Out of these four sites, Simar in Junagadh is projected as a fuel port with offshore port facilities for handling coal and LNG. Mithivirdi, located near Alang shipbreaking yard, can be developed to handle coal, besides steel and automobile parts. |
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