Karaikal port has invested Rs 600 crore in modernisation, says GRK Reddy

Chennai: Karaikal Port, among India’s most preferred maritime gateway, has invested Rs 600 crore in mechanisation for bulk material handling system so as to increase productivity, improve economy and vastly improve the protection of environment, according to the port's promoter-director GRK Reddy.

The mechanisation would improve and enhance the bulk cargo handling at the port in an automated and efficient manner while offering the most convenient trade and efficient operations for the Indian east coast, he told reporters here on Saturday.

“We have taken steps to enhance the efficiency of the port by integrating the mechanisation process for smooth and environment friendly bulk cargo handling. In spite of a dip in the GDP growth, we have invested Rs 600 cr in mechanization for improving the port operations. We believe this is our biggest responsibility towards the people especially in Karaikal and Nagapattinam districts.” Reddy said.

The mechanisation envisages direct unloading through a ship unloader and handled through a conveyor automatic stacker-cum-re-claimer. The process helps in the auto-loading system into wagons and trucks. The mechanisation procedures will ease the bulk cargo handling steps in the port, by ensuring zero handling loss and help in the port’s de-congestion and faster discharge of bulk cargo. Protecting environment would be a major gain, Reddy said.

He said the port handled diverse cargo such as wheat, sugar, cement, fertilisers, coal and edible oil. Since its inception in April 2009, the port has handled cumulative cargo of 53 MMT and received over 1565 commercial vessels, he said, adding that the port has been providing employment opportunities directly and indirectly for more than 50,000 people over the last ten years, besides “unleashing the economic potential of central Tamil Nadu and Puducherry”.