Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) has failed to find a replacement for Haldia Bulk Terminals (HBT) even after nearly half-a-year since ABG-LDA-run HBT was ‘forced out’ of Haldia port. Because, no one is ready to offer mechanised cargo handling services at a matching rate.
KoPT has scrapped the tender for the second time since November 2012, as the bids received are too high compared with the tariffs previously charged by HBT.
HBT fetched KoPT Rs 161 for each tonne of cargo handled and it earned Rs 75 for the same. The port authorities are now gearing up to invite bids for the third time. More importantly, the port may now relax its proposal to offer fully mechanised services.
In a decision that may help the existing cartel of stevedores who control the bulk of the cargo operations at Haldia dock complex, KoPT is now planning to allow manual handling of cargo, onshore.
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