Mumbai port traffic up 11.8% in FY04

Traffic at Mumbai Port Trust grew by 11.8 per cent in 2003-04 to 29.96 million tonne, compared with 26.80 million tonne in 2002-03.

The surge in traffic comes after stagnant growth in 2001-02 and the preceding years. The port has set a target of 31 million tonne for 2004-05.

A K Bal, deputy chairman of Mumbai Port Trust, said, "The rise in traffic is due to the increase in the country's foreign trade. Also, offering various types of cargo and the traffic diversion due to congestion at other ports have aided growth. I am confident that we will exceed our cargo-handling target for 2004-05."

The port has witnessed growth in handling of both POL (petroleum, oil and lubricants) and non-POL cargo. POL traffic increased by 3.07 million tonne to 19.30 million tonne in 2003-04. Other traffic grew by a marginal 0.37 million tonne to 10.60 million tonne. However, container traffic fell to 1.96 lakh twenty foot equivalent units (TEU) from 2.13 lakh TEU in 2002-03.

Meanwhile, the port has been unable to attract any private sector investment for an offshore container terminal for which it had floated bids.