NMPT’s Parida on issues of M’lore Sea port and the immediate plans

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Aug 7, 2014:  The Chairman New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) P C Parida  spoke  on “Issues pertaining to New Mangalore Port and the road map” organised by Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry August 6.

He said,  that a railway line would be laid from Panambur marshalling yard to Thannirbhavi which will result in creating an additional capacity of 10 million tonne at the port. The consultancy for the work has been given to RITES and the proposed line would provide railway facility to oil dock, berth no 19 and KIOCL area at the NMPT premises.  He went on to speak on the developmental aspects of the Port   stressing  that as sea, river and city cover the three sides of the Port, the development concerns faced a bottleneck. If the freight from Mysore is diverted to NMPT, it would have been a major gain in terms of revenue. Currently, cargo from Mysore is sent through Chennai and Tuticorin Ports.

Freedom from pollution in 4 years  :   On the upcoming projects at NMPT, the Chairman said that  automation at berth 14 and 18 would eliminate coal pollution from the area and after four years, the place should be pollution-free.  “The automation cargo handling at the berths will minimise pollution. Consultants  will be appointed in September.”

The upgradation of  Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) will take charge of the safety matters of vessels. VTMS can detect oil spillage in minutes, he said. The construction of business development park at an estimated cost of Rs 22 crore will accommodate banks, restaurants, shopping malls and more under one roof. The park would have an area of  at least 6500 square feet.

NMPT Chairman Parida, expressed hope that the work on the development of LNG terminal would get a boost by the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan.  A consortium of ONGC, BPCL and Japanese company, Mitsui are joining hands to develop the terminal. He lamented that Mangalore Port has the least manpower among  Ports in the country.

Better volumes B’lore to M’lore  :   To enhance business and revenue growth, Chairman Parida sought the help of KCCI to speed up the doubling of railway line between Panambur-Kankanady and Hassan to Mangalore. The four laning  of Manglaore-Hassan NH 75 will also be a boon to  NMPT, he added.  KCCI officials, members and public were present.