By IANS,
Kolkata : The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) is gearing up to start work on a container terminal at Diamond Harbour following approval from the central government.
After a high-level meeting between the port authorities and government officials a few months back, it was decided that KoPT would get the land at Diamond Harbour against a suitable land at an alternate site on the river front.
KoPT required in total 125 acres of land for the development of the project, of which the 43 acres with the defence authorities is considered to be critical.
“The Union Cabinet has approved the transfer of the piece of defence land at Diamond Harbour to Kolkata Port Trust to move ahead with the container terminal project,” National Shipping Board Chairman P.V.K. Mohan told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar on ‘East Coast Ports-Vision 2020’, organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry here.
He said the KoPT will get 75 acres from the defence ministry through Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers.
“In return, KoPT will give land at Raichak to them,” he added.
KoPT Chairman M.L. Meena said once land was acquired for the project, Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) would be floated thereafter.
“We would like to come up with a single package for Diamond Harbour, Haldia and Kolkata ports and expect to float RFQs within 15 to 20 days,” he added.