The Ganga Jal Marg Vikas Yojana might turn out to be a major revenue booster for Haldia port in West Bengal, according to RPS Kahlon, Chairman, Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT). Haldia Docking System is a part of the KoPT.

The Rs. 4,200 crore project envisages efficient river freight operations from Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh to Haldia, covering a distance of 1,620 km. It is expected to be completed in 6 years and will facilitate the commercial navigation of 1,500 tonne vessels.

“It is a welcome move and will help in boost our revenue. The revenue generated will depend mostly on volumes,” Kahlon told Business Line .

First steps

The project is expected to boost coal movements through inland water. A step in this direction has already been taken by the National Thermal Power Corporation, which is moving imported coal to Farakka Power Station through the Ganges.

The project will also help efficient movement of over-dimensional cargo (ODC), like large power equipment, which is difficult to move by road.

India started using this option for moving heavy ODC cargo since 2009, while transporting heavy power gears for OTPC power station in Tripura