KoPT in cruise control mode to boost cargo traffic

KOLKATA: In its bid to ramp up capacity and enhance efficiency, the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) has drawn up a Rs 969-crore capex plan for the 11th Plan period.

Interestingly, KoPT is eyeing top slot among major ports on cargo handling. It expects to handle 60 million tonnes of cargo in 2007-08, 46 million tonnes of which will come from the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) alone. In 2006-07, KoPT saw 55.05 million tonnes of traffic, of which some 42.45 million tonnes were handled at the Haldia docks.

At present, KoPT is ranked second in terms of cargo handling. “We expect to register a total revenue of at least Rs 1,400 crore in 2007-08 against Rs 1,249.64 crore achieved in 2006-07,” KoPT chairman AK Chanda told reporters in Kolkata on Thursday.

Investment plans include funds infusion of about Rs 269 crore for the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) while another Rs 279 crore will be used for setting up facilities at HDC. The balance Rs 421 crore will be utilised for river regulatory measures.

On the funding pattern of the planned expenditure, Mr Chanda said: “About Rs 551 crore will be funded through budgetary support from the Centre. The balance Rs 418 crore will come from internal accruals.” In a parallel development, KoPT has decided to throw open its hospital meant exclusively for port officials and their families at a discount to relatives of port employees.

“This is a 20-bed hospital, and we have decided to offer discounts to relatives. KoPT has also tied up with a few public sector companies for offering the facilities. We have also decided to open a few facilities like out-door and dialysis centre for the public. The plan is to make it open to general public and offer the facilities at prices that will be competitive.”

KoPT has firmed up a Rs 360-crore plan to construct three cargo handling jetties at Diamond Harbour. This will be built on a private-public partnership model where KoPT will invest nearly Rs 20 crore while the remaining sum will come from private parties.

“Feasibility study for the jetties is complete, and the KoPT board has already approved the plans,” said Mr Chanda. KoPT is awaiting the shipping ministry’s approval for the project. Capex for KDS includes a Rs 46.9-crore project for development of infrastructure in and around KDS and procurement of various cargo/container handling equipment.

It has also decided to create facilities for transloading of dry bulk cargo at Sand Head and Konica Sand. At HDC, KoPT has decided to construct two berths at an investment of Rs 86.36 crore and two riverine jetties at Rs 146 crore. Another Rs 15 crore will be spent for constructing lay-up berths and procurement of three locomotives.

The plans also include installing a second lock gate at HDC. A good portion of the investment will go into constructing two inland water transport terminals, one each at Kolkata and Haldia, jointly with the Inland Waterways Authority of India.