The Hindu Business Line : Vizag port handles 22.8 million tonnes cargo

The Visakhapatnam port has handled 22.8 million tonnes (mt) cargo till now in the current financial year compared with 18.9 mt during the corresponding period of the previous year, according to Mr K. Ratna Kishore, Chairman.

After hoisting the flag on the occasion of the Independence Day, he said there was a big challenge ahead of the port as the target for the financial year had been fixed at 64.24 mt by the Union Shipping Ministry. Last year (2006-2007), the port had handled 56.39 mt and maintained its first position in the country for the seventh consecutive year, though several other ports too had crossed the 50-mt mark, he said.

He added: “The phase one deepening of the inner harbour entrance channel and turning circle is nearing completion. Presently, we are handling vessels with 10.7 metres draft and from November 1 we will be able to handle 11 metres draft vessels. The second phase work will begin immediately.”

He said the proposal of the port to construct two new berths on BOT basis, WQ 6 and WQ 10, in the inner harbour had been cleared. The port had taken up projects worth Rs 3,000 crore to enhance the capacity keeping in view of the future needs.

He said the port would be entering the platinum jubilee year from October 7 and the board had agreed to enhance the welfare budget from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 2 crore.