Krishnapatnam Port setting up new berth

Krishnapatnam Port is constructing a roll-on roll-off berth in the south terminal in order to handle export of cars manufactured in Chennai and Bangalore regions.

Anil Yendluri, Chief Executive Officer, Krishnapatnam Port informed that the port is expected to have the berth ready by the first quarter of 2013-14.

Once the privately-run port in Andhra Pradesh starts handling cars, it would compete with Chennai and Ennore ports for this cargo. Krishnapatnam Port is located 180 km north of Chennai.

For handling the cargo, the port is said to be in talks with all the car manufacturers. Hyundai, Ford, Nissan and Renault make cars in the Chennai region. Many officials of the manufacturers are said to have already visited the port.

The Chennai port annually handles over three lakh cars while at Ennore Port, the cumulative car handling has crossed two lakhs. The Ennore port commenced car handling in September 2010. The port is expected to offer flexible rates to customers.

However, since there is a space constraint in Chennai and Ennore ports, for manufacturers, the next available option is Krishnapatnam, which is accessible through both rail and road. The port has nearly 45 km of railway line inside the campus, he said.

Yendluri feels that distance was not an issue that will stop the manufacturers looking at Krishnapatnam. If they want space and cost advantages, they will consider this port.