The Hindu Business Line : Multi-modal system key to improve ports' efficiency: Survey

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New Delhi Feb. 27 Slow evacuation of cargo coupled with poor hinterland connectivity has undermined the efficacy of ports and it is imperative to develop a multi-modal system to enhance their competitiveness, the Economic Survey said.

"Despite having adequate capacity and modern handling facilities, average turnaround time (of major ports in India) is 3.5 days as compared to 10 hours in Hong Kong, which undermines the competitiveness of the Indian ports," pointed out the Economic Survey tabled in Parliament today.

The congestion in ports, it said, was primarily due to slow evacuation of cargo rather than a lack of handling capacity, since ports are not adequately linked to the hinterland.

"An efficient multi-modal system, which uses the most efficient mode of transport from origin to destination, is a prerequisite for smooth functioning of any port," the survey observed.

This involves coordinating rail and road networks to ensure good connectivity between ports and the hinterland.

Cargo growth down

The survey said that in 2006-07 fiscal, till October 2006, cargo handled by major ports registered growth of 6.6 per cent, down from 10.4 per cent in the corresponding seven months of the previous fiscal.

In the port sector, the areas that have been opened up to the private sector include cargo-handling berths, dry docks, container terminals, and warehousing and ship repair facilities.

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