Slew of projects delayed in Kolkata port

Industry observers raise concern about delay in the slew of port projects proposed in the Kolkata port.

For the last 10 years, authorities have been proposing to set up cargo handling facilities at Sagar Island closer to sea. Initially, they proposed to set up a deep-sea port on the line of a similar port near Shanghai. The advocates of such a project took some time to realise the futility of what they were propagating.

Then began the talk of a deep draught port at Sagar. The global tender floated to appoint an international consultant for the project received no response. RITES, therefore, prepared the detailed project report.

Some reports indicate that private players are not
showing interest in the project as setting up connectivity with the mainland, both by road and rail, and dredging and construction of breakwater would be economically unviable.

The plan to set up Kulpi port, a joint venture project proposed in the nineties as the saviour of the West Bengal economy, was kept in cold storage.

As early as 2008, the high-powered committee headed by Capt. PVK Mohan, Chairman, National Shipping Board, had submitted a report recommending construction of a container terminal at Diamond Harbour on the bank of the Hooghly. Even this project has not seen any progress so far.