KoPT to appoint consultant to prepare TEFR for Tajpur Port: Chairman to CM

Kolkata: Kolkata Port Trust chairman MT Krishna Babu informed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that KoPT will soon appoint a consultant to prepare TEFR (Techno Economic Feasibility Report) for Tajpur Port which will be ready in three to four months time. Once TEFR is ready, the Union Shipping Ministry will process for Cabinet approval for development of Tajpur Port by SPV of the state government and the Kolkata Port. The KoPT chairman held a meeting with Banerjee at the state secretariat Nabanna on Wednesday.

Banerjee had enquired about the progress of development of Tajpur port during the meeting with Babu. Referring to the meeting with KoPT chairman, state Finance and Industry minister Amit Mitra said on Thursday that the deep sea port at Tajpur with a draft of 15 metre will be a game changer.

The port will be located at a 3km stretch between Tajpur and Sankarpur in the East Midnapore district and will have nine berths. A total of 10,000 jobs is expected to be created.

"The CM also enquired about the progress of dredging works at Haldia and advised to monitor the works closely as the draft improvement will be the key to improve business at Haldia," a top KoPT official said.

According to sources in the state secretariat, the issue of permissive possession of some area in Nayachar Island for shore dumping of dredged material was discussed. "Banerjee has instructed Chief Secretary Moloy De to conduct a meeting with the Port and developer to sort out the issue. She has also given instructions that adequate measures should be taken to protect the interest of local fishermen," the official added.

The issue of Bascule Bridge that connects Kolkata city with the port area also came up for discussion. Twice this month the bridge did not close for a long time due to a technical snag causing tremendous inconvenience to commuters.

"The bridge will be renovated through tender process which will be completed in two months' time and total renovation work may take further four to six months. Port will schedule the work in consultation with Kolkata Police," the KoPT official said.