Mumbai port project delayed again

In what could be the best example of delays in core sector projects, Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) has for the 14th time extended the bidding deadline for its Rs 1,200-crore offshore container terminal project.

The new deadline of the project, which has been already delayed by nearly two years, is now October 9. The earlier deadline was September 15.

This extension was due to delay in security clearance for International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) of the Phillipines, which is bidding along with Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

Following the government's denial of security clearance to its former partner, Chinese major Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH), L&T had tied up with ICTSI.

According to government officials, the delay in security clearance is due to procedural formalities.

"This will be possibly the last extension of bidding deadline for the project," they said.

Mumbai port executives confirmed the extension of the deadline.

Mumbai Port had earlier shortlisted 11 parties including Evergreen Marine, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), Dubai Ports World, United Liner Agencies India, Gammon India, ABG Heavy Industries, AP Moller Finance SA and Adani Exports.

Meanwhile, United Liner Agencies, India, has teamed up with Germany's HHLA Container Terminal GmbH and Gammon India has tied up with Italian company Dragados SPL and Gammon Infrastructure Project.

ABG Heavy Industries has joined hands with IL&FS while Adani Exports is bidding with Adani Port Infrastructure Ltd.