With competition turning stiff, the BOT operators have pitched for redressal mechanism to ensure implementation of various rules and regulations as laid down in the Concession Agreement and directed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and other statutory agencies.
The port has so far handled 47 million tonne and poised to cross last year’s 58 million tonne despite slowdown in the economy. The port, which has a capacity to handle 93 million tonne, is going for massive mechanisation to achieve a capacity of 124 million tonne in next two years.
At present, the port has VSPL, Visakha Container Terminal Pvt. Ltd, AVCTPL, Vedanta General Cargo Berth, Alba and Sew Engineering. The last is in the process of launching commercial operations. Projects like development of EQ-1A berth for coal handling, upgrdation of iron ore facility at Outer Harbour, development of WQ-7 and 8 berths, extension of existing container terminal and mechanisation of EQ-7 are in progress.
