By Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Sep 4 (NVI) In a significant strategic move, Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has ventured into port operations, aligning with its vision of forward integration.
CONCOR, a PSU of Indian Railways, has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (BPIPL), to operate and maintain the upcoming Container Terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port in Gujarat.
BPIPL has already executed an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September last year for the development of this port infrastructure.
Under the agreement, 235 hectares of land has been allotted to BPIPL on a 30-year lease, with a provision for future expansion by an additional 250 hectares.
According to BPIPL officials, the total project cost is estimated at Rs 4,500 crores.
The development plan includes a Container Terminal with 3 berths; a Multipurpose Terminal with 2 berths and a Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Terminal.
Besides, a Liquid Cargo Handling Terminal is also proposed.
This port facility is expected to play a crucial role in catering to the logistics needs of Central Gujarat, the Dholera Industrial Belt, and even extend services to customers in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Under the terms of the MoU, CONCOR will act as the Container Terminal Operator. It will be responsible for the operation, management, and marketing of the container terminal.
CONCOR CMD Sanjay Swarup noted that this collaboration is expected to provide substantial value addition to customers and further strengthen CONCOR’s leadership in the logistics sector. (BVI)
