AP Govt accords port status to KSEZ

Kakinada, Mar 21 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Government has accorded Minor port status to the Kakinada Special Economic Zone (KSEZ), which will have a captive port, official sources said here today.

The KSEZ had been declared as a minor port under the provisions of the Indian Port Act, 1908. The Infrastructure and Investments department had issued GO-ten to this effect on December 3, last year.

In March, 2007, KSEZ Director had urged the Government to accord permission for construction of a captive port within the SEZ to facilitate transportation of refinery products and also for handling cryogenic LPG. The port will handle all SEZ cargo.

This will be the third minor port in East Godavari district -- the first being the age-old anchorage port here and the second is Ravva port near S Yanam. The Deep-water port, though a major port, enjoys a special status as the medium port, as it continues to be under control of the State Government under privatisation.

The Kakinada anchorage port officer or his nominee would act as the port officer for KSEZ port, too. The captive port would form part of the SEZ, constructed on the shore 500 metres from the high-tide level.

A modern dry dock would also come in the SEZ area and Dubai Dry Docks management had decided to take the project. Many Industrial Houses would set up Petro Chemical Industries in the KSEZ, the sources added.

UNI XC VA BJR AS1850