The Hindu Business Line : Vizag Port Trust clarifies

This is with reference to "Higher fertiliser, wheat imports cause problems at Vizag: SAIL, NTPC may use Paradip Port," (Business Line, November 18). It is true that there is a spurt in the import of wheat and fertilisers. But it is not true that this has had an adverse impact on the handling of coal imports of SAIL and NTPC.

The handling of imported wheat and fertilisers is an independent operation and does not interfere with the handling of imported coal. The berths and wagon loading points for these cargoes are different. Moreover, the wagons required are different — covered wagons for fertilisers and wheat, and open wagons (Box `N') for coal of SAIL and NTPC.

It is also incorrect to attribute the coal crisis of SAIL and NTPC to the Visakhapatnam Port. The fact is that in the current year, the Railways supplied 1500 Box `N' rakes till November 20, against 1600 Box `N' rakes in the corresponding period last year. The evacuation of coal from the Port depends on the availability of Railway wagons. The Visakhapatnam Port has sufficient spare capacity to handle the full requirements of SAIL and NTPC, if sufficient wagons are placed with the Port by the Railways.

Secretary

Visakhapatnam Port Trust

Admn. Dept.

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