Following clearance by the Public Investment Board recently, with cost estimated at INR 1,571 crore, Jawaharlal Nehru Port's long awaited dredging project is on the verge of commencement. The price bids of the five bidders are expected to be opened in early December, it is learnt.

With the RFQ process complete, Cabinet clearance is awaited, which is considered a formality.

Once the project is awarded to the winning bidder in December, work should start in January next year, according to sources. The scheduled time of completion is 27 months.

Among the unique aspects of the job is that, for the first time in the history of such projects at Indian ports, there will be an 'assured depth' condition (e.g. 14 m below 'chart datum') which will have to be fulfilled. Other ports too are likely to enforce this condition, the sources said.

Besides, JNPT will reportedly be offering an incentive of up to 5% reduction in total project cost, for early completion of the project.

International dredging majors such as Van Oord, Boskalis and Hyundai are among the shortlisted bidders, it is learnt.

(Sourced from Exim News Service)