The Hindu Business Line : Steps initiated for developing Bengal deep-draught port

The Union Shipping Secretary, Mr A.K. Mohapatra, on Friday called on the West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, and apprised him of the steps taken by the Union Government in regard to the proposal for setting up a deep-draught port in West Bengal.

Dr A.K. Chanda, Chairman, Kolkata Port Trust, accompanied Mr Mohapatra. The West Bengal Minister for Commerce and Industry, Mr Nirupam Sen, the Chief Secretary, Mr A.K. Deb, and the Commerce and Industry Secretary, Mr Sabyasachi Sen, were also present.

EOIS

Talking to Business Line, Mr Mohapatra said seven consortia of firms – in some cases foreign firms partnering with Indian firms — have responded to EoIs invited by the Shipping Ministry for the appointment of consultant for the preparation of the detailed project report for the proposed project.

The selected consultant would also be responsible for the monitoring and supervising the implementation of the project. The bids were currently being evaluated and he hoped that the selection of the consultant would be complete within the next three to four months, latest by the year end. “The selected consultant will have to play a very critical role in the project”, Mr Mohapatra said.

Regulatory scheme

Referring to the River Regulatory Scheme in the Hooghly, designed to improve the navigable draught through proper dredging, the Union Shipping Secretary observed, “

the scheme is very much active but we’re yet to establish conclusively the most suitable method of dredging that will lead to sustainable depth in the river.

Hopefully, the scheme should become operational next fiscal”.

The increased dredging requirement to be caused by the delay in implementation of the project would be duly taken factored in the revised scheme, he added.

Mr Mohapatra said, “The port should post 10 to 12 per cent growth in traffic throughput in 2007-08 over more than 55 mt handled in 2006-07”.

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