Indian government has decided to set up two new major ports in the country.
New Delhi, Aug 5/Nationalturk – In order to effectively handle increased cargo traffic, Indian government has decided to set up two new major ports in the country.
“A port each would be set up at Sagar in State of West Bengal and the other at Dugarajapatnam in Southern State of Andhra Pradesh,” Indian Minister of State for Shipping G K Vasan told lower house of Indian parliament (Lok Sabha) in a written reply.
The new ports are to be developed as part of an effort to triple India’s cargo-loading capacity to 3.13 billion tonnes by 2020.
Vasan said with regard to Sagar Port, RITES has estimated capital cost including connectivity project at Rs. 7820 crores (Indian currency). “The tentative cost for Dugarajapatnam port has been estimated at Rs. 7988 crore (Indian currency) by the Technical Committee set up by Ministry of Shipping.”
He said the feasibility study of the proposed location is also being carried out by RITES.
“In respect of Ports at Sagar and Dugarajapatnam, the concessions are targeted to be awarded in the financial year 2014-15,” minister said.
Sources said the new port in West Bengal, which will have a capacity of 54 million tonnes per annum (mtpa).
At present India has 12 major ports
At present there are 12 major ports in India — Kolkata-Halida, Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Ennore, Chennai, V O Chidambaranar (formerly Tuticorin), Kochi, New Mangalore, Mormugao, Mumbai, Jawaharlal Nehru (JNPT) and Kandla.
Experts said the move to set up two more major ports in India is aimed at catering to increased import of coal and oil and container volumes in the years to come.
“Indian government has initiated a series of measures to modernise Major ports in India. As part of the endeavour, in 2012-13, 32 projects were awarded involving an estimated cost of Rs. 6765 crores with capacity addition of 136.75 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA). During the current financial year (till date) total number of projects awarded is 5 involving a capacity addition of 48.59 MTPA with an investment of Rs. 2045.25 crores,” Vasan added.
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Faiz Ahmad / NationalTurk India News
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