Kolkata Port Trust extended the deadline for filing applications for the proposed Rs 1,500-crore 1.2-million-TEU container terminal at Diamond Harbour till February 28.
This is the second time that the port trust is extending the deadline after the tender was floated in October. The port trust has reportedly extended the deadline in order to ensure larger presence of the interested private bidders for the project. Besides, appointment of a financial consultant is still due. It should happen by third week of this month, a leading media quoted an official from the port trust.
The port authorities invited pre-bid tenders from infrastructure majors across the world, in October 2012, for developing the terminal closer to the river mouth at Diamond Harbour.
Called request for qualification (RFQ), such a pre-bid exercise is aimed at lining up suitable contractors to pave way for a focused project tendering.
However, the port is yet to prepare a feasibility report for the project. Some experts feel that the exercise has little value if the port does not have a detailed project plan, especially with regard to infrastructure projects requiring long-term commitment from both parties.
The feasibility plan is reportedly being prepared by Consulting Engineering Services. According to the revised notification, the Port Trust will make a shortlist of the interested bidders on March 15.
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