Even after nearly half a year since ABG-LDA-run Haldia Bulk Terminals (HBT) was ‘forced out’ of Haldia port, Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) failed to find its replacement.
Because, no one is ready to offer mechanised cargo handling services at a matching rate.
According to sources, KoPT has scrapped the tender for the second time since November 2012, as the bids received are too high compared with the tariffs previously charged by HBT.
HBT fetched KoPT Rs 161 for each tonne of cargo handled and it earned Rs 75 for the same.
The port authorities are now gearing up to invite bids for the third time.
More importantly, the port may now relax its proposal to offer fully mechanised services. In a decision that may help the existing cartel of stevedores who control the bulk of the cargo operations at Haldia dock complex, KoPT is now planning to allow manual handling of cargo, onshore.
Mechanised operators will be restricted in loading (and unloading) cargo to ship.
“If KoPT rejects the bid this time also, it will probably change the model and invite bids only for on-board (ship to shore) operations at berths 2 and 8. And, the on-shore handling would be taken care by other handlers,” a source closely involved with the development told Business Line .
A senior KoPT official said that the port trust will, however, take an official decision over “discharging” the bid by OSL IRC Enterprises Pvt Ltd (Rs 173 a tonne) when its board meets on May 27.
Suvendu Adhikari, Trinamool MP Congress from Tamluk (East Midnapore), said: “KoPT should resume mechanised operations at berths 2 and 8 immediately. The port authorities are simply not interested to continue operations at Haldia port.”