Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), the largest private operator in India, came up as the highest bidder for the greenfield deep-sea port project at Tajpur in a neck-to-neck fight with JSW Group for the West Bengal Government.

APSEZ and JSW Group, led by Sajjan Jindal, were the only two entities that participated in the financial bid round.

Although, there were other ports and logistics majors interested in the Rs 7,000 crore project in the Purba Medinipur district.

A government official told the media that APSEZ, the highest bidder, offered a share of 0.25% of gross revenue. It was marginally more than the second bidder, who offered 0.23%.

The official revealed that the revenue share would increase to 4% but would be at a much later date of the concession term, which is 99 years.

The West Bengal government expects that the first phase of the project would be completed and operational in the next three-four years.

The official informed that road access to the site is the biggest difficulty and railway connectivity is also necessary.

For a 15-16 m draft, an 18 km channel needs to be constructed into the sea. For Panamax size vessels, a 12 m draft is required.

APSEZ would get 125 acres of seafront land for the port development, and an additional 1,000 acres, 4 km away, for port-linked industrial development.

Meanwhile, Adani Group did not bid for the Kolkata Port's Kiddherpore dock but was the highest bidder for the modernisation of Berth 2 of Haldia dock.

After APSEZ emerged as the highest bidder, a note was prepared. It would be placed in front of the state cabinet for final approval.

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