Cabinet approves development of Vizag's East Quay 1

New Delhi, Nov.26 (ANI): The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure on Friday approved a project for the Development of East Quay 1 (EQ1) berth by replacing the existing EQ1 berth and part of EQ2 berth for handling Steam Coal in the inner harbour of Visakhapatnam Port on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis.

The estimated cost of the project will be about Rs.323.18 crore with a capacity of 6.41 MT, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said.

He said the development of the EQ 1 berth would enable the port to cater to 14 m draft vessels and handling the steam coal with the mechanized unloading facilities.

The project is to be implemented within a period of 24 months from the date of award of the concession.

The following are the benefits of the project: (1) Construction of 280m long berth to cater to 14 m draft vessels with a capacity of 6.41 MT; (2) Installation of mechanised unloading facilities for Steam coal; (3) Transporting the cargo through closed conveyor system to the stockpile reducing the environmental pollution and (4) Mechanical system for stacking and reclaiming he cargo for eventual loading into wagons leading to faster evacuation and less congestion. (ANI)