Older port terminals to charge market rates: Panel formed

28 Aug 2023 CW Team

Cargo handling terminals managed by private companies at major ports prior to the enactment of a new 2021 law governing state-owned ports are on the brink of gaining permission to apply market rates for their services. This landmark decision, seen as a game-changer in the ports sector, aims to balance the move towards market-driven pricing without violating existing concession agreements. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has constituted a panel, led by Sanjay Sethi, Chairman of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, to assess the feasibility of allowing older public-private-partnership (PPP) cargo terminal operators to adopt a market-driven pricing structure, similar to post-2021 operators.

The Major Port Authorities Act had originally empowered 11 state-run ports to determine market rates for new cargo terminals, leaving the fate of older handlers uncertain. The newly formed panel is tasked with formulating guidelines for transitioning these older cargo terminals to a market-driven rate framework, all while considering commercial aspects and port authority interests. This move aims to ensure that both the private operators' gains and the port authorities' benefits are fairly balanced.

Under consideration is a mechanism wherein older cargo terminals could charge market-based rates while adhering to the revenue share or royalty obligations outlined in concession agreements. This innovative approach aims to safeguard minimum throughput levels while enabling private operators to capitalise on market-driven rates. The potential for increased transparency is also on the horizon, with the requirement for terminals to display their market rates on their websites and provide advance notice of any rate revisions.

This significant policy shift is anticipated to level the playing field between different terminal operators while promoting viability and growth within the ports sector.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..