JNPT terminal expansion plan in troubled waters

The Rs 8,000-crore container terminal expansion plan of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), which is aimed at doubling its capacity, has run into trouble as the port's board raised doubts about the consortium that won the bid to undertake the country's largest terminal project. The JNPT bo­ard has raised questions over the performance of the prefer­red consortium – PSA Mumbai Investment and ABG Ports – because of its 'mixed track-record' in two other projects – the container terminals at Kandla and Kolkata Port Trust. The Shipping Ministry, however, has objected to the JNPT board's decision and has asked the port to follow the rule book. According to a senior official, the JNPT board has been told they should have verified the track record of the consortium during the qualification stage.