Kolkata port aims to reduce turnaround time for ships

The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) is making efforts to reduce the turnaround time of ships to three-and-a-half days to make it lucrative for traders, an official said on Tuesday.

"Currently, the turnaround time is about four days, which is not healthy for trade as it adds to the cost. Our effort is to reduce this time by increasing operational efficiency. We look to bring the turnaround time down to three-and-a-half days to begin with," KoPT Chairman Vinit Kumar said on the sidelines of an interactive session organised by the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce here.

He said reducing the turnaround time would make the port more lucrative.

The KoPT also plans to offer about 90 land parcels totalling around 200 acres in and around the city on long-term lease for commercial purposes.

"We have identified 20 land parcels of 50-60 acres for long-term lease. We will put them up for tendering in the next 10-15 days. Once the first phase is successful, we intend to offer another 70-73 land parcels for lease," he said.

These land parcels have either been lying unused or vacated by earlier users.

The port is expecting Rs 80-90 crore revenue from leasing of these plots, he added.

--IANS

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