Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) on Friday revived the hopes on resolving the stalemate between Odisha and Bengal governments over transloading at Kanika Sands soon.
According to R.P.S. Kahlon, Chairman, KoPT, a formula is likely to be worked out at a high-level meeting on June 14.
“A high-level meeting will be held on June 14 in Delhi. It will be attended by Ministry of Shipping, Government of Odisha, Government of West Bengal, and representatives from KoPT, Dhamra Port, Paradip Port and upcoming Subarnarekha Port,” Kahlon told reporters here.
He was addressing the media after a seminar on importance of waterways on economic development organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
According to Kahlon, KoPT will have to file an affidavit before the Supreme Court in July based on the solution resolution reached at the meeting.
The Government of Odisha had moved the apex court after the Ministry of Shipping extended KoPT’s limit covering some portion of Bay of Bengal close to Odisha border. It said that transloading at KoPT’s identified location at Kanika Sands would impact the cargo flow to the ports in Odisha.
In March this year, Kahlon had said that KoPT identified an alternative location on the south-west end of Kanika Sands, about 30 km east of Dhamra port, for transloading operations following the Government of Odisha’s opposition to the previously decided spot.