Kolkata Port Trust has proposed a 10-20 per cent hike in tariff. In a proposal sent to the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP), the port trust has recommended an average increase of 20 per cent in vessel-related charges and 10 per cent in cargo-related charges.

The present scale of rates will expire on March 31.

TAMP is expected to hold a meeting with all stakeholders before firming up its decision on the proposal, said a port official.

This is part of the proposal to increase the general scale of rates.

The port also proposes to increase the licence fees. The dock permit and licence charges have been revised upwards by 50 per cent, stevedoring licence and handling agent charge 363 per cent, and permit for using truck terminal at Haldia and Kolkata Dock System by 394 per cent per vehicle.

The special rate introduced in 2011 to meet the rising pension expenses has been increased to 10 per cent from the present four per cent. Penal interest on dues is proposed to be hiked to 16.5 per cent from the present 14.25 per cent.

The wharfage on inland water transport cargo has been raised 50 per cent. The demurrage on container and containerised cargo remains unchanged.

Predictably, the proposal has evoked sharp reaction from a cross-section of port users. At a time when the competition is becoming intense with the emergence of several private ports on the east coast, the priority should be cost reduction and increased efficiency. The proposal, if implemented, will make the already costly port costlier enough to scare away existing and the prospective users.

Meanwhile, Asian Feeder Discussion Group and Calcutta Feeder Operators have expressed grave concern over the proposed revision of scale of rates, particularly at a time when the global economy is passing through a crisis hitting hard the shipping sector.

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