Paradip is one of the few ports in the country, which posts traffic growth without the backup of any significant oil traffic (no crude and very small quantity of products) so far. Understandably the port has been pining a great deal of hope on the SPM (single point mooring) being installed by the Indian Oil Corporation to handle large quantities of crude. There have been several postponements on commissioning the SPM. Finally, it is learnt that the commissioning is due to take place in May. Unfortunately, the work on port’s other projects too are getting delayed and these include the construction of two berths — one for handling coal and the other for iron ore — and the dredging of the approach and navigable channels.
The berth project, awaiting various clearances of the authorities concerned, has already been delayed by one year, it is learnt. The dredging was due to start in February as the port authorities had issued the order to Dredging Corporation of India in January. But DCI has been unable to mobilise dredgers for whatever reasons. An estimated 15 million cubic metres of spoil has to be removed over a period of 12 months.
The berth project, awaiting various clearances of the authorities concerned, has already been delayed by one year, it is learnt. The dredging was due to start in February as the port authorities had issued the order to Dredging Corporation of India in January. But DCI has been unable to mobilise dredgers for whatever reasons. An estimated 15 million cubic metres of spoil has to be removed over a period of 12 months.