The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) on Thursday expressed concern over higher charges quoted by companies for mechanised cargo handling at Haldia port.

According to Manish Jain, Deputy Chairman, Haldia Port, KoPT, the port authorities will examine why no interested bidders could match the tariffs charged by ABG-LDA run previous contractor Haldia Bulk Terminals (HBT).

HBT made an exit from Haldia port in October last year citing law and order problems. Since then, port authorities floated tenders twice to rope in a new contractor.

However, on both occasions the lowest bid quoted was higher by Rs 100 a tonne or more.

“We have to examine why we are repeatedly getting higher quotes from the interested companies that participated in the tender. It is definitely a matter of concern,” Jain told reporters after an interactive session with policymaker organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here.

Interestingly, Jain said, KoPT would welcome HBT if the company wants to restart operations at Haldia port.

“If ABG wants to come back, they are most welcome. We will examine the proposal (if any),” he said. Meanwhile, asked about phase-out of dredging subsidy, Jain said that KoPT received only Rs 34 crore of around Rs 400 crore spent for dredging in 2012-13. It is awaiting the Union Cabinet’s periodical approval for release of dredging subsidy.

> ayan.pramanik@thehindu.co.in

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