Port projects worth Rs 7,757 cr approved

A government panel today approved three port projects worth Rs 7,757 crore, including the long-pending contract for development of a container terminal at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).

"The Public-Private Partnership Approval Committee today met and cleared the three projects. These would now go to the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure (CCI) for final approval," Shipping Ministry Joint Secretary (Ports) Rakesh Srivastava told PTI.

The PPPAC, headed by Finance Secretary Ashok Chawla, gave its nod for the Rs 6,696 crore mega project for the development of a 4th Container Terminal at JNPT with a concession period of 30 years, which includes three years of construction.

The second project is for the development of a container handling facility towards the north of JNPT at a cost of Rs 600 crore with 18 years' concession period.

The third project is for the mechanisation of coal handling facilities and upgradation of general cargo berth at the outer harbour of Vishakhapatnam Port for Rs 461 crore. The contract would be given for a period of 30 years, which includes two years of construction.

All the three projects would be awarded on design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) basis.

The approval come at the heels of Maritime States Development Council (MSDC) meeting on Thursday.

The PPPAC comprises Planning Commission Secretary, Expenditure Secretary (Finance Ministry), Law Secretary, besides Shipping Secretary.