Private Sector Participation

 

       In keeping with general policy of liberalization and globalization of economy of the Government of India, the Port sector has been thrown open to private sector participation. In order to handle increased volume of   sea-borne traffic on account of increase in foreign and coastal trade, major expansion has been planned in the port infrastructure sector in the country , entailing upon  mobilization of substantial resources.

         Accordingly, in 1996-97 the Central Govt. has issued comprehensive guidelines for private sector participation in the arena of port development which has set forth the much needed pace for flow of private investments in development /expansion of major port projects . These were followed by further  guidelines  issued in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2005. Recently, comprehensive  guidelines  for Formulation, Appraisal  and Approval of Public  Private Partnership (PPP) Projects with   RFQ, RFP  and Model Concession  Agreement have been finalised at the Ministerial level. 

 

Major Projects of Privatisation at Kolkata Port

 

Haldia Dock Complex

 

 ►    Berth No. 12 (at HDC of Kolkata Port) was allotted  on 30.1.2002  to a Private Operator viz. m/s Tata Martrade International  Logistic Ltd (TMILL), (a Joint Venture of M/s. Tata  Steel  and a holding Co.  of Company) for a period of 30 years for its operation, management and maintenance. About Rs. 25.8 crore has been invested in the project by the private operator.  Cargo handling at the berth commenced from March, 2002 and the berth has been equipped with mobile harbour cranes, forklifts, etc. in March, 2004.

 

 ►      Berth No. 4A (at HDC of Kolkata Port) was allotted on 14.5.2002 (on BOT basis) to a joint Venture Company viz. International Sea Ports India Pvt.  Ltd. for its construction, operation, management and maintenance for a period of 30 years. The total project cost was Rs.150 crore.  The berth was commissioned in February 2004.

 

 ►  Comprehensive equipping plan / yard logistics including induction on hire (supply/operation/maintenance/management etc) of state-of-the-art equipment, viz., Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs), Payloaders, Dumpers  etc are being put to place to improve the productivity of various berths (including those of Berths 2. 8, 13) at HDC and make them cater to gearless vessels.

 

Kolkata Dock System

 

►   In order to avail of higher draft in the navigable channel and reduction in freight cost and turn around time of vessels, construction of four Container handling and three barge handing Jetties at Diamond Harbour at a cost of Rs 1233 crore has been proposed in terms of the recommendations of a High Powered committee set up by the Ministry. Revalidation of the earlier study report and its synchronization with the latest recommendations of the committee has already been approved by KoPT Board. The project is to be executed through the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode basis and is expected to be completed by 2011-12.  

► An Expression of Interest was invited by KoPT in July 2005 from the internationally reputed transloader /ocean barge operators for the proposed transloading  operations of dry bulk cargo round the year  at two locations in  combination,  i.e at Sandheads  from October  to March and at Kanika Sand Anchorage from April to September. Ministry has formed a Working Group to look into the   territorial issues and resolve the technical and commercial issues involved to ensure smooth operationalisation of the project. The Working Group formed by the Ministry is at present deliberating on the issues involved.  Meanwhile, SAIL has expressed interest for transloading of dry bulk cargo (coking coal) at Kanika Sands/Sandheads ..

  ► Induction of   Mobile Harbour Cranes with Reach Stackers on "Own-Operate-Maintain" (OOM) Basis has already been operationalised at KDS. Further induction of Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs), Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs), Reach Stackers etc aimed at realisation of higher productivity of the berths is envisaged.