5 firms bid for JNPT projects

Five project management companies including two global majors "" the UK-based Scot Wilson and French major Stup "" have submitted bids to conduct a techno-economic feasibility study for the Rs 3,000 crore expansion plans of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).

"The board of JNPT, which is scheduled to meet early this month, would shortlist and finalise a company for the study. This, however, has to be approved by the ministry of shipping," shipping industry sources said.

Besides Scot Wilson and Stup, three Indian companies in the fray are L&T Ramboll, Howe India Pvt Ltd and Consultancy Engineering Services, they said.

The Rs 3,000 crore expansion project entails setting up of a fourth container terminal and a marine chemical terminal (MCT) at JN Port, they added.

Meanwhile, a senior port official said the JNPT would initiate efforts to obtain approvals from ministry of environment and forest for container and chemical terminals.

"JN Port has already begun 'rapid environment impact study', and IIT Mumbai will also submit an environment impact report on setting up of the terminals by March," he said.

It would take at least six to eight months to get environmental clearance and the shipping ministry would take a final decision on the proposed projects, he added.

"However, the board is yet to decide finance models for the terminals which will be completed in a phased manner. They will be debating a mix of private investment and government share for both the terminals," an industry source added.