Speaking exclusively to The Goan, MPT Chairman I Jeyakumar made it clear that this proposal is only at an exploratory stage , but admitted that MPT is in the process of identifying the area in South Goa, away from Vasco. “MPT plans to have a satellite port in South Goa, to handle bauxite, LPG and other cargo, to avoid traffic congestion and pollution in Vasco,” said Jeyakumar, while indicating that the area around Betul is being shortlisted by MPT. Insisting that the proposal was at an initial stage, the MPT chairman added: “This is only an exploratory stage and nothing much can be divulged. We are in the process of identifying the area and we request the government for its intervention.” “Things should fall in place within nine months and we should be able to provide a clear picture by December 2016,” informed Jeyakumar. “Once the satellite port is commissioned, goods from outside Vasco and down south will be handled at the satellite port and transported to the harbour by barges.” DREDGING AT PORT: The MPT chairman also sought to justify the ongoing dredging activity in the port channel. “The port is carrying out dredging in the channel to facilitate capsized vessels (the largest dry cargo ships), which will help the port generate added revenue. It will be completed by September-October.” “Once completed, we will be the first government port in the west coast to handle capsised vessels,” added Jeyakumar. When reminded about concerns from citizens, environmentalists and experts that dredging of the port would affect marine environment and would have a cascading affect on the neighbouring areas, Jeyakumar said: “through dredging, we are only removing the clay from the seabed.” “We are not cutting any solid area beneath the sea for the area to collapse. Necessary study has been conducted by a Pune-based agency before taking up dredging, to avoid any side effects after the dredging activity,” Jeyakumar said. BUSINESS AT MPT: Commenting on other development activity at the MPT, Jeyakumar said Berths 8 and 9, which used to handle iron ore, has been tendered to Sterlite port (Vedanta Group). “The letter of award has already been handed to the group and an agreement will be signed in Mumbai sometime this month. The berths will be completed by March 2019.” “Sterlite port will handle multi-cargo at one berth and iron ore will be handled in a modernised manner on the other berth. Iron ore will be transported by barges and instead of loading in Panama-sized vessels, it will be loaded on capsized vessels,” he said. “As a result, 1.80 lakh tonnes of cargo will be loaded on capsized vessels within three days, which the same vessel would take 8-9 days at the outer anchorage,” said Jeyakumar. The MPT chairman also said plans were afoot to construct a modern cruise terminal at the breakwater, to facilitate passengers and improve railway facilities. “The biggest achievement will be the four-lane connectivity to the port, which will de-congest Vasco city of heavy vehicles. The work has already been tendered to Gammon India and will be completed by October 2018,” said Jeyakumar.
After DefExpo, plans afoot for satellite port at Betul
MPT says proposal at exploratory stage , scouting area in South Goa
