After almost a year of near-misses and speculation, the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) has finally placed the work order for removal of impediment at the Eden channel — a proposed navigational route into the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) that will provide an alternative to the silt-choked Auckland channel.
Late last month, the KoPT board gave its nod and subsequently, on August 26, the work order was placed with Maccaferri Environment Solutions at a total cost of Rs 7.65 crore, an official said.
KoPT chairman ML Meena, while confirming the development, said that the Eden channel could be operationalised by as early as March next year. “It will also increase the draught to between 8.5 – 9 meters,” he said.
The current minimum available draught, as per HDC officials, stands at about 6.2 metres.
Since October last year, KoPT has been attempting to get started with the work of impediment removal at Eden Channel.
The shipping ministry's technical advisory committee (TAC) had also recommended the opening of this route to restore the HDC's ability to accommodate larger vessels.
But even by December last year, the concerned authorities had been unable to make headway.
Sources had then indicated that the tendering process had been adversely affected due to private firms quoting prices much higher that the KoPT's internal estimates.
“If things work out, there will be a substantial increase in the parcel load that ships can carry into the port as the draught will improve and, at the same time, our dredging cost will come down,” Meena added.
Port officials added that the Eden channel, once operational, could generate an additional revenue between Rs 250-300 crore due to the increase in parcel load.
