the goan I network
MARGAO
Goa’s largest logistics hub set up by the Konkan Railway Corporation and the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) is finally expected to go into full operation at Balli from October promising to usher in quick transportation of goods from the State to other parts of the country.
Even before the completion of the sprawling logistics hub, spread across an area of 84,000 square meters, CONCOR has started dispatching mineral ore for Vendata in around 12 rakes.
Container Corporation of India officials told the media at the site at Balli that business and industrial houses in Goa could avail benefit of the hub for quick transportation of goods to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Mumbai, and 83 other points across the country.
“Instead of dispatching their goods by road, the industry and business houses in Goa can send their goods to the logistics hub.
A T Rai of RITES Ltd told the media that each rake has a provision to carry around 80 containers, with each container having a capacity to carry goods weighing 30 tonnes. “Transportation of goods by rail will make a big difference to the local industry and business houses. You can expect up to 50 per cent of reduction in transportation cost, besides reduction in fuel cost, pollution, accidents and wear and tear of vehicles,” he said.
He pointed out that fish exporters can avail the facilities at the hub once refrigeration facilities are put in place.
While the hub is located on an area spread across 84,000 square meters, the actual paved area is pegged at 24,000 square meters, with the warehouse spread on an area admeasuring 2500 square metres.
A member of Goa Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Chairman Logistics Committee Chandrakant Gawas said the hub will change the face of business in Goa and appealed to entrepreneurs across the State to avail the facility. “Presently, goods from the Verna Industrial Estate and other estates go to Mumbai by road, but now the cargo can be transported from this hub to JNPT by issuing all clearances,” Gawas said.
He pointed out that even if factories find it difficult to store goods meant for transport in their premises for want of space, these could use the hub. “Konkan Railway has taken a good initiative. The location is ideal given that the national highway passes via Balli. But, we need to create awareness amongst the industrial and business houses that a major logistics hub is located right here in Goa, which is connected to as many as 83 destinations across the country, including the ports,” Gawas added.
Work on the logistics hub was initiated by the Konkan Railway Corporation, the first such hub along the Konkan Railway route in association with Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR) at a cost of Rs 33 crore.
