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Kandla Port Trust to develop satellite project

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Sumantra Das Kandla
Last Updated : Feb 25 2013 | 11:28 PM IST
Kandla Port Trust (KPT), country's second largest port, is gearing up to venture outside the Kandla Creek through an ambitious scheme for development.
 
The port is now coming up with a project in Tuna Port to be developed as satellite port in Gujarat. The Kandla Port plans to construct eight jetties at the site and has estimated that nearly two crore tonne of goods will be transported through this port.
 
"After the completion of 16th berth, further development along the Kandla creek will not be possible. Taking into account these challenges, work on expansion project will be commenced in March 2006 and it will be completed in next one year. The Tuna port will be the second port in the state after the Vadinar Port to be developed by KPT," said A Janardhana Rao, chairman, KPT.
 
Earlier, the Vadinar Port was developed by KPT mainly to carry out trade in petroleum products. Whereas Tuna Port will be developed as a multi-purpose port.
 
"Today the port is facing the tremendous competition from the new and emerging private port along the western coast of the country. The existing infrastructure at the port is quite old and requires replacement. I feel in addition to the Vadinar port the Tuna port will definitely will help the Kandla Port," Rao said.
 
"KPT has already sent the proposal to the central government for approval and are expecting the sanction from them after which we will commence the work," he added.
 
KPT wishes to finance this project under the maritime development programme of the ministry of shipping. Since the central government is committed towards development of infrastructural facilities at the ports, the proposal will soon be sanctioned, said Rao.
 
The Kandla Port Trust has earmarked Rs 323 crore for this project.
 
IFFCO's upcoming phosphoric acid plant near Tuna Port would also benefit KPT. IFFCO is expected to become the first users of this port facility. Initially two jetties will be constructed and will be utilized by IFFCO.
 
"With new technology in place, the concept of Satellite Ports has gained popularity across the world. I feel Kandla Port has also commenced developmental work where additional eight jetties will be added to the existing 11 jetties. KPT is investing Rs 4,985 crore for the developmental activities at the site and once the additional jetties are operational the port will witness a two-fold increase in the traffic"

 
 

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First Published: Aug 24 2005 | 12:00 AM IST

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