The Confederation of Indian Industry’s Goa chapter met Ramesh Kumar, chairman of Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) to discuss the port’s operations and future plans, particularly cargo movement and passenger traffic. CII’s logistics panel also took stock of the coal-handling operations at MPT as part of an effort to create awareness about the need for rail, road and port connectivity in Goa.
Given the turmoil and opposition to coal transportation and the South Western Railway’s track-doubling project, CII wants all stakeholders to come together to find a solution that benefits both sides, said CII vice chairman Atul Jadhav.
CII also urged Kumar to identify new cargo streams for the port and to provide information on port-related issues so that the industry stakeholders can collaborate with MPT.
“There are two coal-handling plants at MPT, each permitted to handle 5.2MTA, and they will not increase beyond that,” said Jadhav. “Right now in Goa, everyone is objecting and saying things based on 10-year-old data. CII wants to create a common platform so that everyone can talk and understand what is happening.”
Kumar offered to extend all support to the industry and to work closely with CII to undertake activities related to increase in cargo handling at the port.
“We are not saying the NGOs are wrong nor are we batting for coal, but one cannot stop the plants overnight. They have a 30-year lease. Tomorrow, steel or limestone may come, or even cement. For that, rail, road and port linkage is still required,” said Jadhav.
CII has been pushing for Goa to be developed as a logistics hub, which requires port, rail and road connectivity.
In order to promote cargo exports directly from Goa, CII’s logistics panel has stressed on the need for frequent feeder ships to major ports as well as infrastructural changes at MPT for pharmaceutical cargo. These issues were discussed with MPT officials, Jadhav said.
