The Hindu Business Line : Govt plans alternative model for deep-sea port project

Kolkata, Dec. 10 Mr T.R. Baalu, Union Shipping Minister, indicated here on Monday that the Government might be required to examine alternative model for inviting bids for the deep-sea port project proposed to be implemented off West Bengal coast.

This follows poor response from the consultants, who showed expressions of interest (EoIs) for preparing the detailed project report for the project but did not proceed further. “The EoIs could not be converted into RFQs (request for qualifications) due to the lack of interest,” Mr Baalu observed. However, a meeting would be held on December 20 in the Ministry with those showing EoIs, he said.

The Minister declined to give the details of the alternative model, except saying it could be DFBOT (design, finance, build, operate and transfer) instead of the BOT (build, operate and transfer) as earlier planned. “We’re still in the process of examining what could be the best alternative model,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the Shipping Minister held meetings with the cross-section of trade to elicit their views on the dedicated container terminal proposed to be set up at Diamond Harbour.

He also reviewed the progress of various road projects with the officials concerned of the State and Central Governments, including the National Highway Authority of India.

Briefing newspersons about the various road projects under the Central Government, the Minister said the issue of four-laning of several National Highways in the State namely, Nos, 34, 31, 35 and 117 was reviewed at a meeting, also attended by the Chief Secretary of the West Bengal Government.

The four-laning of the more than 400-km-long NH 34 faced problems in regard to land acquisition. At many places, the survey work could not be undertaken due to the stiff resistance from the local people. The same was true about other highway projects also. “The attention of the West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, has been drawn to it and he has promised all help,” Mr Baalu said.

The issue of land acquisition for the proposed ship-building yard at Sagar Island too came up during his discussion with the Chief Minister. An estimated 1,500 acres would be needed for the project. “The Chief Minister has assured me that the land will be made available for the proposed shipyard which will be Central Government project to be implemented on PPP (public-private partnerships) basis,” he said.

Asked about the ship-building yards also being planned in the State by at least two private groups, the Shipping Minister replied, “I’am not aware of it”.

The first phase of the proposed dedicated container terminal at Diamond Harbour, he felt, should be ready for operation by 2011-12. The estimated cost of the project, to be completed with three berths and two barge jetties, was Rs 500 crore.

In the second phase, two more berths would be added at an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore.

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