Older private terminals at major ports to gain pricing autonomy
PORTS & SHIPPING

Older private terminals at major ports to gain pricing autonomy

Cargo terminals operated by private firms in major ports before the 2021 implementation of the Major Port Authorities Act may soon be allowed to impose market rates for their services. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has convened a panel to explore enabling older public-private partnership (PPP) cargo terminal operators to transition to market-driven pricing, akin to the new law's provisions for post-2021 private cargo handlers.

The Major Port Authorities Act granted pricing freedom to the 11 governed ports and recently established private cargo terminals, thereby abolishing the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP) that regulated state-run ports. However, the fate of existing private terminals remained uncertain until this development.

The panel, chaired by Sanjay Sethi, Chairman of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, is tasked with proposing guidelines for the migration process. This decision is highly anticipated within the port sector, as it will ensure that older private operators can shift to market-driven pricing without violating existing concession agreements.

Under consideration is a mechanism where older terminals can levy market-driven rates, while the royalty or revenue share due to port authorities would be based on these rates, accounting for minimum guaranteed throughput (MGT) stipulated in contracts. This approach safeguards volumes while allowing operators to adopt market pricing.

The move will level the playing field between major and non-major ports, encouraging investment and revitalising stressed terminals. Transparency will be upheld through regular rate updates on operators' websites and indexed market rates. By bringing all terminal operators on par, the Ministry aims to establish a cohesive framework for sustainable growth in the sector.

Cargo terminals operated by private firms in major ports before the 2021 implementation of the Major Port Authorities Act may soon be allowed to impose market rates for their services. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has convened a panel to explore enabling older public-private partnership (PPP) cargo terminal operators to transition to market-driven pricing, akin to the new law's provisions for post-2021 private cargo handlers.The Major Port Authorities Act granted pricing freedom to the 11 governed ports and recently established private cargo terminals, thereby abolishing the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP) that regulated state-run ports. However, the fate of existing private terminals remained uncertain until this development.The panel, chaired by Sanjay Sethi, Chairman of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, is tasked with proposing guidelines for the migration process. This decision is highly anticipated within the port sector, as it will ensure that older private operators can shift to market-driven pricing without violating existing concession agreements.Under consideration is a mechanism where older terminals can levy market-driven rates, while the royalty or revenue share due to port authorities would be based on these rates, accounting for minimum guaranteed throughput (MGT) stipulated in contracts. This approach safeguards volumes while allowing operators to adopt market pricing.The move will level the playing field between major and non-major ports, encouraging investment and revitalising stressed terminals. Transparency will be upheld through regular rate updates on operators' websites and indexed market rates. By bringing all terminal operators on par, the Ministry aims to establish a cohesive framework for sustainable growth in the sector.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Jyoti Structures FY26 profit rises 56.5%

Jyoti Structures (JSL) recently reported strong financial results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026, driven by disciplined execution, cost management and steady progress across its order book.For Q4 FY2025-26, total income rose 44.2 per cent to Rs 2.41 billion from Rs 1.67 billion in Q4 FY2024-25. EBITDA increased 58.6 per cent to Rs 237 million, while EBITDA margin improved by 89 basis points to 9.84 per cent. Profit before tax grew 53.3 per cent to Rs 188.5 million, and net profit rose 51.9 per cent to Rs 181.4 million.For FY2025-26, total income grew 53.1 per cent to Rs 7.72 bill..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Cat BEPU to Power Doppstadt Separator at IFAT 2026

Caterpillar’s Cat Battery Electric Power Unit (BEPU) has been selected by Doppstadt to power its SWS 6 Spiral Shaft Separator, which will be showcased for the first time at IFAT 2026 in Munich, Germany, from 4–7 May.The compact plug-and-play BEPU is designed to replace a diesel engine within the same space, using the same mounting locations and relative machine position. It integrates the battery, motor, inverter, onboard charging, cooling and controls, enabling OEMs to electrify existing chassis platforms without extensive redesign.Caterpillar and Cat dealer Zeppelin Power Systems have be..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

VECV sales rise 6.9% in April 2026

VE Commercial Vehicles, a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, recorded sales of 7,318 units in April 2026, compared to 6,846 units in April 2025, registering 6.9 per cent growth. The total included 7,159 units under the Eicher brand and 159 units under the Volvo brand.Eicher branded trucks and buses reported sales of 7,159 units during the month, up 6.6 per cent from 6,717 units in April 2025. In the domestic commercial vehicle market, Eicher sales rose 8.6 per cent to 6,797 units from 6,257 units a year earlier.Exports declined 21.3 per cent, with VECV recording 362 units in ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement