The combined capacity of major and non-major ports is all set to cross one billion tonnes this month  The domestic port sector will soon create history, with the combined capacity of major and non-major ports set to surpass one billion tonnes in September 2010. Currently, the combined capacity of the ports stands at 996 million tonnes and with further capacity addition of 19 million tonnes by the Gujarat Maritime Board, the overall port capacity will cross over the billion-mark.In this context, a former director of the Visakhapatnam Port Trust, while speaking to a ShippingBiz360 correspondent, on condition of anonymity said, “It will be a momentous achievement for the country’s port sector and a landmark will be set. Positive steps taken by the India government under National Maritime Development Programme (NMDP) have played a crucial role in expansion of port capacities.”
Notably, under NMDP, 276 major port development projects have been recognised and the government is also planning to open new harbours and sell stakes to further boost the capacity of ports under the new maritime policy expected to be finalised this month, which will be valid for a decade.
According to Abdul Sadiq, managing director of Rajab Logistics, a mid-sized logistics firm in Kohzikode, “Opening of the International Container Transshipment Terminal at Vallarpadam within the next few months will not only help the country to emerge as a transhipment hub but the same will further boost the overall cargo handling capacity of the ports in the country. Crossing the one-billion mark will be a proof that Indian ports are capable enough to entertain large number of vessels, which will subsequently result in quick turnaround time for ships.”
Contribution of non-major ports
While major ports have played their part in handling bulk cargo, the non-major ports too have played a vital role in boosting overall cargo handling capacities of the country’s port. Flexible tariff rates and better infrastructure facilities have provided a fillip to their demand, with their share in handling traffic increasing from 12% in 1997-98 to 30% in 2007-08.
Arup Choudhury |
