Ennore’s Kamarajar Port Ltd. (KPL) will enter into a pact with the Puducherry government for the development of its port.
Official sources said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect would be signed by both the parties soon. The MoU will facilitate the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for developing the port to handle cruise ships, bunkering and coastal movement of containers through barges.
Talking to The Hindu , a KPL official said: “We are expecting the Puducherry Chief Secretary to indicate the date, after which, we will prepare the take DPR. This will be followed by public hearing, and completion of other formalities. In all, it will take roughly two years to begin commercial activities.” As per the plan, KPL would carry out a feasibility study for dredging, modernising and constructing berths. It would cost nearly Rs.3 crore. Initially, KPL would spend the money, and thereafter, a Special Purpose Vehicle would be created to manage the commercial activities.
The port handled vessels till 2006-07, and it was stopped due to privatisation process. Currently, the berth is used as parking lot by fishing trawlers. The Public Works Department carries out dredging work on a limited scale to prevent the channel from getting closed.
“To begin with, we are targeting cruise ships as they do not require deep draught. As Puducherry is frequented by foreigners, confining it to cruise ships will be an ideal idea.
“Later, containers can be moved through barges from Ennore to Puducherry so that we can reduce the load on road. Bunkering can also be thought of after taking into consideration safety and cost aspects,” he said.
