BL reported that the Visakhapatnam Port Trust has lined up a mechanization and dredging program involving an investment of INR 2,600 crore for the next two years.

Mr Ajeya Kallam chairman of the port said that the proposed projects include mechanization of coal handling facilities at the general cargo berth in the outer harbor at an estimated cost of INR 444 crore, which is expected to be wrapped up by October next year.

The port is also developing two berths for handling thermal coal and steam coal at an estimated cost of INR 323.18 crore and INR 313.39 crore respectively, with the concession agreement having been concluded. He added that “We expect to complete the two berths by March 2013.”

Mr Kallam said that mechanization of iron ore handling facilities in the inner harbor at a cost of INR 275.2 crore and fertilizer handling facilities at a cost of INR 217.58 crore are the other two projects in the port's mechanization drive.

He added that the two projects are expected to be completed about six months ahead of the deadline of December 2013.

The VPT has been taking up several measures under environmental management system. The mechanization of bulk cargo handling would check pollution as it would lead to reduction in transportation of cargo through trucks.

(Sourced from BL)