The Customs office located at the Krishnapatnam port here in Nellore district got a new Rs. 1-crore worth baggage scanner on Monday to serve the purpose of making cargo clearances speedier and smoother for the traders engaged in marine trade.
The scanner along with metal detectors was installed at the port with special focus being laid on encouraging and increasing volumes of containerised trade through the port in future.
The scanner equipment was inaugurated by Anil Yendluri, Chief Executive Officer, Krishnapatnam port, who said it would be an additional catalyst for the trade activities. He underscored that the development of ports was vital to the progress and prosperity of countries which was evident from countries like Singapore and Sri Lanka.
Mr. Anil said they had set a target of achieving 2.5 lakh containers per year through their Krishnapatnam Port Container Terminal (KPCT).
S. Khader Rahman, Commissioner of Central Excise and Customs, A.P., said the new scanner and metal detectors would make it possible for direct delivery of services to the traders. He said the Customs Department had posted enough staff to run 24-hour services at the port.
Mr. Rahman said the Customs revenue of Rs. 1,650 crore was achieved last year with a target of Rs. 2,000 crore having been set this year. This can be achieved with higher volumes of containerised trade which will be promising in the coming days, he added.
