Kolkata port now at second slot

Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) has achieved the distinction of notching up to the second position among all major ports in the country during 2004-05, creating an all-time record in cargo handling and has targeted a handling figure of 50 million tonnes in 2005-06.

"KoPT is second only to Vizag Port, in handling 46.16 million tonnes of cargo in last fiscal," A K Chanda, chairman of the port said here today.

He attributed the success to growth of diverse cargo, improved service quality, cost-effective and customer-friendly charges and better working condition.

Vizag port handled traffic of 50.15 million tonnes.

During the period, Chanda said KoPT recorded 11.87 per cent growth in traffic which was higher than that of the national average of 11.3 per cent for all major ports. Chanda said operating revenue of the KOPT increased to Rs 1003.50 crore as against Rs 956.98 crore in 2003-04.

The net surplus rose 38 per cent to Rs 156.25 crore against Rs 113.28 crore in the previous year.

"After a long gap of 37 years since 1967-68, KoPT achieved the distinction of bagging the second position in terms of cargo handling," he said.

KoPT handled 41.26 million tonnes last year as against 35.80 million tonnes in 2002-03.

Chanda also said a large-scale modernisation, renovation and replacement programme was underway at Kolkata port encompassing replacement, modernisation of port crafts, upgradation of vessel traffic management system, construction of berths, mooring systems at Saugor anchorage, development of infrastructure facilities and procurement of cargo handling equipment among others.

"We have undertaken several projects in the hinterland. These, coupled with country's policy of cooperation with Asian countries and projects like proposed trans-asian railway corridor and opening of India-china roads and proximity to Lhasa will all contribute to making Kolkata the hub port for the continent", he said. KoPT has set a cargo handling target at 50 million tonnes for 2005-06.

It has undertaken schemes to promote coastal traffic, tourism and inland water traffic, besides utilising its vast estate resources to develop facilities for port-based industries.

It will also join hands with Indian Institute of Port Management to offer academic courses on maritime education and provided consultancy to other ports, he said.