The proposed projects include mechanisation of coal handling facilities at the general cargo berth in the outer harbour at an
estimated cost of Rs 444 crore, which is expected to be wrapped up by October next year, according to the Port’s Chairman, Mr Ajeya Kallam. The port is also developing two berths for handling thermal coal and steam coal at an estimated cost of Rs 323.18 crore and Rs 313.39 crore respectively, with the concession agreement having been concluded. “We expect to complete the two berths by March 2013,” Kallam said. Mechanisation of iron ore handling facilities in the inner harbour at
a cost of Rs 275.2 crore and fertiliser handling facilities at a cost of Rs 217.58 crore are the other two projects in the port’s mechanisation drive. The two projects are expected to be completed about six months ahead of the deadline of December 2013, Kallam said. The VPT has been taking up several measures under environmental management system. The mechanisation of bulk cargo handling would check pollution as it would lead to reduction in transportation of cargo through trucks.
“VPT is taking all possible measures to contain the pollution and the ambient air quality results are within permissible limits on majority of the days monitored. “To combat dust pollution, we have proposed to implement long term measures to bring down dust levels and comply with all standards for better environment,” Kallam said.
Rs 2,600 crore investment for India's Visakhapatnam Port Trust
