Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) intends to examine why
interested bidders are submitting higher quotes for the mechanised cargo handling at Haldia port.
Speaking to media persons, Manish Jain, Deputy Chairman, Haldia Port, KoPT, said the port authorities must examine why no interested bidder could match the tariffs charged by ABG-LDA run previous contractor Haldia Bulk Terminals (HBT).
Following the exit of HBT from Haldia port in October last year, the port authorities invited tenders twice for the mechanised cargo handling contractor. However, on both occasions the lowest bid quoted was higher by Rs 100 a tonne or more.
Jain remarked that the failure to get reasonable quotes from bidders is definitely a matter of concern. He further said KoPT would welcome HBT if the company wants to restart operations at Haldia port. It may be recalled that HBT withdrew from the contract citing law and order problems.
He was speaking to reporters after an interactive session with policymaker organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
If ABG wants to come back, they are most welcome. The port authority will examine the proposal (if any), he said. Meanwhile, asked about phase-out of dredging subsidy, Jain said that KoPT received only Rs 34 crore of around Rs 400 crore spent for dredging in 2012-13. It is awaiting the union cabinetÂ’s periodical approval for release of dredging subsidy.
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