CPT to set up a new cargo handling facility

Kolkata, Aug 11 (UNI) Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) will set up a full-fledged cargo handling facility in West Bengal to handle bulk cargoes like thermal coal, iron ore and fertiliser.

Speaking at a programme, organised by Bengal National Chamber of Commerce here today, CPT Chairman Anup Chanda said this project would be undertaken on Private Public Partnership model.

'' A survey has been started by Consulting Engineering Service. We would get the report in six weeks. RITES has been appointed by Railways to do a feasibility study in order to create the rail route through which the cargoes would be sent, '' he said.

Three jetties would be built in this facility. However, he refused to divulge the total investment or land required for the project.

'' We are going to build this facility in Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas, about 60 km from Kolkata. This facility is planned mainly to handle thermal coal. Almost four million ton of coal will be imported to India in near future and we hope to handle a substantial amount through this facility, ' Mr Chanda said.

He said, '' The draft of river Ganges in this area is around nine metre and cargo handling will be easier in this region. '' UNI JYN SJC RN1824