VPT to take up mechanised handling in GCB

Visakhapatnam, Jan 5(UNI) The Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) is contemplating to install mechanised handling system in the General Cargo Berth (GCB) with an investment of Rs 340 crore as part of measures to create world class facilities.

VPT has sought the necessary permission from the public-private partnership appraisal committee to take up the mechanised handling facility under Build Operate and Transfer (BOT), Port sources said here today.

VPT has already received a favourable report from the Indian Port Association (IPA) on the feasibility of mechanised handling, the sources said adding the GCB had handled 293 vessels last year with a hight occupancy rate of 96 per cent.

VPT, which retained its premier port status in the country during 2005-06 by handling 55.8 million tonnes was confident of increasing coking coal handling from the present 15,000-20,000 tonnes to 35,000-40,000 per day.

The sources said the port has appointed IPA to finalise bid documents, licence agreement and extend support to VPT in the tender process till the signing of the licence agreement.

The port authorities have asked the Andhra University to carry out an environmental impact assessment study, the sources added.

UNI