The rate quoted by the Adani ports is said to be well below the brackets set by the port authority, which is Rs 2,127 (excluding GST) per loaded TEU. The contract will help the private port operator further strengthen its presence on the east coast of India.
The Kolkata Port Authority is yet to consider the bid offered by APSEZ and the contract will be awarded once the Lok Sabha elections are over. APSEZ is expected to take control of the berths from November onwards, once the contract of Bharat Kolkata Container Terminals ends.
APSEZ will be investing about Rs.569.85 crore (excluding GST) for upgrading infrastructure at the port which includes addition of new cranes and equipment such as Mobile Harbour Cranes, Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes, Reach Stackers and Tractor Trailers. It is reported that about 3RTGs, 12 Reach Stackers and 35 tractor trailers will be added by the private port operator.
Mobile Harbour Cranes will be installed at four berths while one berth will handle containers from geared vessels. Simultaneously, Kolkata Port has also announced plans to privatise berths 7 and 8 of Netaji Subhas Dock with a backup area of 25 acres.
