December 03, 2008

Indian major ports capacity to cross 1 billion by 2012

Mr TR Baalu union minister of shipping, road transport & highways said that the aggregate cargo handling capacity of the 12 major ports in 2007-08 has been projected to touch 528.75 million tonnes per annum by March 31st 2008 and 1,016.55 million tonnes per annum by the end of the 11th Five Year Plan, following berth development, procurement or modernization and up gradation of cargo handling equipment.

Mr Baalu explained that development of infrastructure in major ports was an ongoing activity, keeping in view the demands of maritime trade. The activities, performance, productivity and the profitability of major ports varied, depending on a number of factors, including the location of the Port, its infrastructure, labor, resources and cargo profile.

During the 11th Plan, outlays of INR 1,227.74 crore, INR 1,254.79 crore and INR 1,448.20 crore were envisaged for the expansion and development of Ennore, Chennai and Tuticorin Ports, respectively. In addition to the 12 major ports under the control of the central government, there were 200 smaller ports which were under the overall jurisdiction of the respective maritime state governments.

In addition, private investment to the extent of INR 5,300 crore, INR 833.50 crore and INR 5,115.08 crore were also envisaged in the 3 ports, respectively, during the 11th Plan. The capacities in the 3 ports were proposed to be enhanced to 64.20 million tonnes per annum, 73.50 million tonnes per annum and 63.98 million tonnes per annum by the end of the 11th Plan.