Bhuj, 10 October 2014

Kandla Port which is number one port among India’s 12 major ports is facing problem due to emergence of more private ports. Kandpa port has witnessed reduction of 10 million metric tonne(mmt) cargo. This has come as sudden development for Kandla Port Trust(KPT) management.

KPT is trying to touch magical figure of 100 mmt for last two-three years, but has been unsuccessful. While last year, it was economic slow-down which was responsible for this, this year newer factors have emerged.

As new ports have been popped up on the shoreline of Gujarat, importers and exporters have found fresh options. Madhya Pradesh was sending 6 mmt Soya stock meant for export to Kandla port. However now this stock has diverted to Adani-led Dahej port in central Gujarat which is distant-wise closer to Madhya Pradesh compared to Kandla.

In western Kutch, smaller port town Jakhau has started export of salt which has damaged Kandla port’s traffic. There’s movement of building a jetty between Jakhau and Narayan Sarovar. This may further damage Kandla port’s interests.