The New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) has received nine bids for the construction of berth handling bulk cargo and containers.

Official sources told Business Line that nine companies have submitted their bids for the project to construct berth no. 18. The proposed berth will handle bulk cargo and containers. The last date for submitting the bids was September 5.

After going through the technical qualification, whoever has given the best offer will be awarded the work, they said. Asked when it will be awarded, they said that the port authorities hoped to issue the work orders by the end of this month.

This bid is only for the civil construction for the berth. Sources said that the successful bidder would have to complete the project in 20 months after getting the work order.

Some of the major players such as L&T and Gammon India have submitted their bids for this project.

The tender document for the construction of berth no. 18 has put the tender amount for this project at Rs 110.24 crore.

Dredging for the berth is not included in this bid. Sources said that the project would cost around Rs 137 crore after including the dredging component into the work.

vinayak.aj@thehindu.co.in