Date:19/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/10/19/stories/2005101900230700.htm

Back `Improve infrastructure at Kolkata Dock to cope with rise in traffic'

Our Bureau

Kolkata , Oct. 18

THE growth of traffic at Kolkata Dock System (KDS) has caused so much infrastructure related problems

that the port area is clogged with trucks, both incoming and outgoing, causing traffic snarls and other difficulties, according to Mr Mohammed Amin, West Bengal Labour Minister.

Addressing the 135th anniversary celebration of the Kolkata Port Trust , Mr Amin urged port authorities to examine the scope of constructing a permanent parking place for trucks as a way of tackling the problem.

He also urged them to exempt the small enterprises located on the port lands from paying rent at revised and enhanced rates, as such exemptions were crucial to the survival of these enterprises. The disputes relating to rent and other issues of these leased lands should also be settled amicably by the port authority, he added.

The Minister launched an e-magazine `KoPT Window' on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of KoPT. He assured the State Government's co-operation for the development of the Kolkata port.

Dr A.K. Chanda, Chairman, KoPT, said the future development of the port would take place further down the river, at Sagar Island and at Sandheads, where the available draft was highest among all major ports in the country. He also stressed the need for exploiting the potential of inland water traffic.

On the occasion of the anniversary celebration, the KoPT authorities honoured several port users with Awards of Excellence for their performance.

The award winners included Indian Oil Corporation, Atlantic Shipping, B. Ghose & Co Pvt Ltd, Everett (India) Pvt Ltd, Prime Impex Ltd, Tata Steel, Bengal Tiger Line (India) Pvt Ltd, APL (India) Pvt Ltd, Electrosteel Casting Ltd and Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd.

Mr Dipankar Sinha, Assistant Director, Planning & Research, KoPT, was honoured for winning an international award from the International Association of Ports and Harbours.