Trans-loading infra planned for countering KoPT problems

With cargo handling at the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT), West Bengal's premier maritime facility that services a large hinterland including neighbouring nations, registering a downward trend due to reducing draught at major navigational channels, authorities are now exploring new ways for countering the situation.

The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), SAIL, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and KoPT are mulling the formation of a consortium that will look at creating trans-loading infrastructure for bringing in imported coal through the port, KoPT chairman M L Meena said here today.

“We are going to submit a formal proposal to the ministry soon,” Meena said at an interactive session organised by CII. Meanwhile, a techno-feasibility study for ascertaining the potential of mid-stream container handling facilities would also be undertaken, he added.

Incidentally, SCI chairman S Hajara was in the city last week and is said to have met with the port authorities.

The Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), which is administered by KoPT, itself has lost approximately 10 million tonne of cargo annually as vessel loads have decreased on the back of diminishing draught.

The much-delayed plan to open the Eden Channel, Meena added, would be put into motion in the next couple of months and the re-tendering process would be initiated.

Additionally, proposals for River Regulatory Measures (RRM), worth about Rs 1000 crore, will also be tabled before the Centre.

Concurrently, however, officers of KoPT, along with those of 11 other major ports in the country, have threatened to go on mass casual leave early next month alleging inordinate delays in pay revisions.