Mormugao Port to be expanded through two PPP projects

TEAM HERALD

NEW DELHI/VASCO: The Mormugao Port in Goa is being expanded with two PPP (public-private partnership) projects. Adanis' Adani Mormugao Port Terminal Private Limited is developing a second coal-handling terminal at Berth No 7 while South West Port Limited is installing a rapid-in-motion wagon loading system at Berths 5A and 6A.

Minister of State for Shipping Krishanpal Gurjar disclosed this in a written reply to Shantaram Naik in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. The two projects involved investment of Rs 451 crore, of which Rs 406 crore are for only the Adani project. He said the trial run of the coal-handling terminal is in progress while the other project is completed and what remains is joining the conveyor assembly from old system to new system. He also disclosed that the railway network at the Mormugao Port Trust is being augmented. While tracks have been already laid, what remains are signalling and telecommunication work. Speaking to Herald, MPT Chairman P Mara Pandiyan stated that the expansion plans by MPT include a proposal to construct two multi-cargo handling berths beyond Western India Shipyard Limited.

“The MPT is also planning to deepen the draft of the channel from 14 metres to 18 metres to facilitate larger cargo vessels, for which the ministry has already given its nod. By deepening the draft to 18 metres, the shipping charges will be cheaper which will help in handling bigger cargo vessels at the berth,” said Pandiyan.

“Further, the proposal includes the expansion of the railway network from the port to Tinaighat, to facilitate and increase rail cargo.”

Pandiyan added that the MPT also has plans to increase the draft of the existing Berths 10 and 11 to a depth of 12 meters to bring in larger vessels as both these berths are shallow at present.

“With the deepening of the draft at berths 10 and 11, it will be possible to handle bigger cargo vessels and increase the cargo handling at these two berths. However, the port is presently examining the technicalities and possibility of increasing the draft at Berths 10 and 11,” said Pandiyan.