Pondy CM inaugurates Rs 600 Cr automated conveyor belt system

An automated conveyor belt system for coal handling at Karaikal port, set up at a cost of Rs 600 crore, was inaugurated by Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy Tuesday.

The port had now fully automated the process of coal handling through a 6-km long closed conveyor belt system, the chief minister said.

"The conveyor belt system will lead to taking the coal cargo directly to wagons for inland transit from ships, thus preventing coal particles from flowing into the air.

The new system will prevent air pollution and safeguard the environment," he said.

GRK Reddy, Chairman of Karaikal Port Private Limited claimed that with the establishment of the closed conveyor belt system for coal handling, the port had become the most eco-friendly one in South India.

Reddy said the system would greatly enhance the "turnaround time", besides increasing the coal handling capacity to about 40,000 tons per day.

The port had provided direct and indirect employment to over 50,000 people during the past 10 years, he added.