The Union Shipping Minister, Mr T.R. Baalu, has convened a meeting in New Delhi on December 3 to discuss how to expedite the construction of dedicated container terminal at Diamond Harbour, according to informed sources. The meeting is to be attended, among others, by Capt P.V.K. Mohan, Chairman of the high-powered committee, the other members, the shipping secretary and the senior officials of the Kolkata Port Trust.
The Shipping Minister, it is further learnt, is also likely to visit Kolkata on December 11 to examine the steps to be needed to push the container and other projects for Kolkata/Haldia.
Meanwhile, Dr A.K. Chanda, Chairman of the Kolkata Port Trust, while addressing members of the Indian Chamber of Commerce here on Wednesday, exuded optimism over the potential of Diamond harbour becoming a major cargo handling hub.
Lighterage of boxes
"The shipping lines are mulling to start lighterage of containers at Diamond Harbour right now", Dr Chanda said pointing out that the lighterage of break-bulk and bulk items at Diamond Harbour had been in force for a long time.
Diamond Harbour, which had been identified by the high-powered committee as the ideal location for setting up a container handling facility, was also suited for handling inland water transportation and coastal traffic, more so because the location was linked to two major National Waterways, Number 1 and 2, he said.
Seaways Shipping, which was active on both east and west coasts, has already stepped up the number of vessels operating out of Kolkata port, he added.
|
