Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) on Monday decided to invite fresh applications for mechanised cargo handling at Haldia port for the third time. The port authorities have proposed the inclusion of a risk-and-purchase clause in the contract this time.
Since ABG-LDA-run Haldia Bulk Terminals (HBT) pulled out from the Haldia port (berths 2 and 8) in October last year citing law and order problems, KoPT floated tenders twice to rope in a new contractor. But the lowest bid quoted was higher by Rs 100 a tonne or more than the original deal on both the occasions.
The Board of Trustees’ of the port decided to “discharge” the tender for the second time after OSL IRC Enterprises Pvt Ltd quoted Rs 173 a tonne, the lowest bid. HBT used to operate at Rs 75 a tonne.
The Board formally expressed concerns over “repeated receipts of high-value bids” from the interested bidders. Sources, however, claimed that the tenders have been rejected twice in order to benefit certain stevedores at Haldia port.
KoPT reported a loss of nearly Rs 298 crore in FY13.