Govt's Rs.25 bn port development plan gains traction

The government’s plan to use private firms to develop seven operational cargo berths worth Rs25 bn run by the state-owned ports has received approval from the industry. The seven development projects of Rs20 bn would be available on offer for private companies as a part of the new model of the management of ports. 

The largest development project among the seven is at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), a privatisation plan for its container terminal at nearly Rs.8.6 bn. VO Chidambaranar Port Trust (VOC) and Paradip Port have received tenders from industries like Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), Dubai's DP World, Essar.