ICRA: Capital support, finalisation of pending bills needed in port sector

24 May 2019 Editorial Team

The BJP-led NDA government has won a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections 2019. The government is expected to step up its game and aggressively pursue various infrastructure projects in roads, power, airports, ports and railways sector, which can jump-start the slowing domestic economy.

The turnaround time at ports has been reportedly reduced from 94 hours in FY14 to 64 hours in FY18 due to easing of norms, etc. Further, the dedicated freight corridor, likely to be operational within the next few years, is expected to improve railways logistics.

During the the government’s last tenure major policy initiatives were rolled out such as Sagar Mala, reforms on the tariff side for major ports, new model concession agreement (MCA) and several trade facilitation measures such as Direct Port Delivery model and simplification of customs procedures, which have helped the sector participants.

According to K Ravichandran, Senior Vice President and Group Head-Corporate Ratings, ICRA, “The reelection of NDA will be credit positive for the domestic port sector, as they are expected to continue with their port-led developmental model, which will throw open several business opportunities for the incumbents. Going ahead, adequate budgetary support will be imperative to realise all the goals identified under the Sagar Mala programme. Moreover, finalisation of some of the long pending bills on the governing structure for the major ports will be critical to realise the potential in the sector.”

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..